Solemnity of the Annunciation
O God, who willed that your Word should take on the reality of human flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, that we, who confess our Redeemer to be God and man, may merit to become partakers even in his divine nature. He who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Daily Thought from the Saints
"Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven."
— St. Rose of Lima
Daily Scripture Verse
"Teach me thy way, O Lord, that I may walk in thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name. I give thanks to thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify thy name for ever. For great is thy steadfast love toward me; thou hast delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol."
Psalm 86:11-13
Daily Meditation
"The queen bee never settles in her hive without being surrounded by her swarm, and charity never takes possession of the heart without bringing in her train all other virtues, exercising them and bringing them into play as a general his troops. But she does not call them forth suddenly, all at once, nor in all times and places. The good man is like a tree planted by the water-side that will bring forth its fruit in due season, because when a soul is watered with charity, it brings forth good works seasonably and with discretion."
— St. Francis de Sales
Day by day with Mary, the Mother of God
Mary offered her virginal womb for the incarnation of God’s Word. At the Annunciation, Mary conceived a Son of God in the physical reality of his body and blood, thus anticipating within herself what to some degree happens sacramentally in every believer who receives, under the signs of bread and wine, the Lord’s body and blood.
Blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in company with scoffers.
— Pope St. John Paul II
A Prayer from Notre Dame University
Rev. Bill Dorwart, C.S.C.
Almighty and ever-living God, Mary found favor with you, and you chose her to bear your saving promise. She questioned, “How?” and was told nothing is impossible for the power of the Most High. When we are troubled and question amid our doubts or fears, may your grace abound, stirring the hope that moves us, too, to declare “Thy will be done.” We ask this through Jesus, your Word made flesh, who is Lord forever and ever. Amen.