The
Magisterium’s most comprehensive statement on the sanctity of life, the
encyclical
Evangelium Vitae, was issued on March 25, 1995, the Solemnity of
the Annunciation. This feast marks the moment at which the Incarnation
took place. At Mary’s "Fiat," God began existing in a human nature - a
human nature at the earliest stages of its development within Mary’s
body.
"Mary’s consent at the
Annunciation and her motherhood stand at the very beginning of the
mystery of life which Christ came to bestow on humanity" (Evangelium
Vitae, 102).
At a time when our society
is beset with the evil of abortion, and when the human embryo is treated
as a mere object for scientific research, Priests for Life believes that
the celebration of the Feast of the Annunciation is more important than
ever. By celebrating this Feast with special solemnity, and by spending
more time meditating on its doctrinal and spiritual lessons, the
faithful can be even more solidly rooted in their pro-life convictions,
and spurred on to effective action in defense of life.
We pray that the pastors of
the Church will lead their congregations in special pro-life observances
on this Solemnity each year.
A special
booklet with suggestions for observing the Annunciation is available
from Priests for Life. Email
orders@priestsforlife.org or call 888-735-3448, ext. 237, and ask
for the booklet “Life is a Miracle.”
Click here for a reflection by Pope John
Paul II on the Annunciation
Reflections
by Fr. Frank Pavone on the significance of this Feast:
First reflection and
Second reflection
A special
prayer that can be used as you observe this Feast:
Redeemer in the Womb
Lord Jesus Christ, You
took our human nature upon Yourself. You shared our life and death, our
childhood and adulthood.
You also shared our time
in the womb. While still God, while worshiped and adored by the angels,
while Almighty and filling every part of the universe, You dwelt for
nine months in the womb of Mary. You were our Redeemer in the womb, our
God who was a preborn child.
Lord Jesus, we ask You to
bless and protect the children who today are in their mothers’ womb.
Save them from the danger of abortion. Give their mothers the grace to
sacrifice themselves, in body and soul, for their children. Help all
people to recognize in the preborn child a brother, a sister, saved by
You, our Redeemer in the womb.
In Spanish
Redentor en el Vientre
Señor
Jesucristo, compartiste nuestra misma naturaleza. Nuestra vida y nuestra
muerte, nuestra infancia y nuestra madurez.
También
compartiste nuestra vida dentro del vientre maternal. Siendo Dios,
adorado y alabado por los ángeles, Tú que llenas a plenitud todo el
universo, viviste nueve meses dentro del vientre de María. Eres nuestro
redentor en el vientre, nuestro Dios en condición pre-natal.
Señor
Jesús, te rogamos, bendice y protege a los niños que se encuentran en
los vientres de sus Madres. Sálvalos del peligro del aborto.
Dale a sus
Madres la gracia que necesitan para que puedan sacrificarse en cuerpo y
alma por sus hijos. Ayuda Señor a la gente para que puedan reconocer en
los niños, aún antes de nacer, a un hermano o hermana, que ha sido
redimido por Ti, nuestro Redentor en el vientre.
News releases from past
years of celebrating the Annunciation:
The Annunciation: A Feast of Life
Pro-Life Leaders Call for Annunciation Celebration