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