Today is the Feast of the Annunciation....are you doing anything special to mark this Holy Day?

Question

Tell us about your plans to make this a blessed day.

I've got a special Vespers at 7:00 P.M. followed by a Mass at 7:30 P.M.

Bettie - you better get on a plane - don't be late for Vespers. ;-)

(It's an Evening Prayer service of chants and readings, done as the sun is sinking in the west)

Answer 1

This feast is actually the day I remember a departed priest.

Back when I was an undergrad, I was asked to give a "scriptural reflection" at a weekday student mass. Based on my schedule, I chose March 25 without realizing at first what I was getting into. Fr. Richard, a retired priest on campus who loved the music department, was kind enough to not only act as an ear for my thoughts, but provided me a list of resources and thoughts about the feast to help me organize those thoughts. We lost him to a staph infection only a couple weeks later on Good Friday.

So while this doesn't have much to do with the feast, this day always reminds me of his kindness and that it's now my turn to pass that support on to others.

Answer 2

I'm going to say a special Rosary of thanksgiving. I will also meditate on what a glorious day it was when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

I also want to find a practical way to thank God for the Gift of His Son, by doing something for someone else today. That's my plans for the day.

I hope Vespers and your Mass are wonderful blessings for you and your congregation!

Answer 3

As a "Prodigal Daughter", ummm, I'm clueless and dont' see it as a "Holy Day of Obligation", but it is marked on my Catholic Calendar. I'll have to search to see exactly what Feast is about.

I am so glad that you asked this question so that I can research it and maybe find something to fit into my schedual today. The only "Vespers" I really know are from author A.A. Milne (author of Winny the Poo) in his book of poems, "When we were very young" ... it goes like this:

"Little boy (girl) kneels at the foot of the bed,
droops on little hands, little brown (bloond, red) head.
Hush, Hush whisper who dares, Giggle Giraffe (Chrisopher Robin or your name) is saying her (his) prayers.

God Bless Mommy, I know that's right.
And wasn't it fun in the bath tonight.
The colds so cold, and the hots so hot.
Oh, God bless Daddy, I quite forgot."

Probably not exactly what u'r doing to honor this day. Again, thanks for the 411 ... It gives me a chance to check out what's happening in my area. God Bless.

Answer 4

Today I reflected on the Feast of the Annunciation and discovered this :



Exactly nine months to the day before the Feast of the Nativity, we celebrate the annunciation Gabriel makes to Mary. Mystical significance is given to this date by Jacobus de Voragine, Archbishop of Genoa in his "Golden Legend" written in 1275:

This blessed Annunciation happened the twentyfifth day of the month of March, on which day happened also, as well tofore as after, these things that hereafter be named. On that same day Adam, the first man, was created and fell into original sin by inobedience, and was put out of paradise terrestrial. After, the angel showed the conception of our Lord to the glorious Virgin Mary. Also that same day of the month Cain slew Abel his brother. Also Melchisedech made offering to God of bread and wine in the presence of Abraham. Also on the same day Abraham offered Isaac his son. That same day St. John Baptist was beheaded, and St. Peter was that day delivered out of prison, and St. James the more, that day beheaded of Herod. And our Lord Jesu Christ was on that day crucified, wherefore that is a day of great reverence.

Answer 5

This Holy Day also happens to coincide with the beginning of Spring Break, which doesn't mean I get off of work, but that there are a lot fewer people out there to annoy me for a whole week.

Thus, I will celebrate with simple appreciation for peace and quiet. I will breathe easier for a week.

Cheers!

Answer 6

I actually got to Mass on Sunday,My local Priest organized a taxi for me and paid for it, it was really good to be able to go to Mass and join in with congregation in celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation, I am looking forward to Palm Sunday as well as Easter, I will be going to Mass and join in the celebration of our Lord's Resurrection, I really missed going to Church and I am going to try and start going back every week, I feel closer to God when I am at Mass

Answer 7

Nothing special (official) planned at our church till maundy thursday, which is not directly realsted to the annunciation.

I would guess that this date is a selected date in conjunction with the selection of dec 25th as Jesus birthday. May look up a bit on this now that you mention it.

rather the date is real or selected it is one more date with a theme to guide your thoughts.

Answer 8

Grace and peace be yours in abundance. Hello Father. Ever since the Divine liturg this morning, I have been reading and reflecting on the scriptures about the Theotokos (God-bearer). IC XC NIKA!

Answer 9

Today is not a special Holy Day. Feast of Annunciation....Father K, you are just making stuff up now.

Answer 10

"as the sun sets in the west"
Since you're a couple hours behind, do you think I have time to get to the airport, or should I just go the the Catholic Church down the road?