Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord is one of the most beautiful and meaningful feasts in the Catholic Church. Quiet and humble, yet incredibly powerful, it marks the moment that changed everything—the instant when God became man in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
If you’ve ever wondered what the Annunciation is, when it’s celebrated, or whether it’s a holy day of obligation, this guide will walk you through it simply and clearly, while also sharing meaningful Catholic traditions you can bring into your home.
What Is the Annunciation?
The Annunciation refers to the moment when the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced that she would become the Mother of God.
This event is recorded in the Gospel of Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:26–38). During this encounter, Mary gives her famous “yes” to God:
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
At that very moment, through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ was conceived in her womb. This is why the Annunciation is not just about an angel’s message—it is about the Incarnation, when God became man.
What Does “Annunciation” Mean?
The word annunciation simply means announcement or proclamation.
In the Bible, it refers specifically to the angel Gabriel announcing God’s plan to Mary. So when people ask what does annunciation mean in the Bible or what does the word annunciation mean, the answer is the same: it is the joyful announcement of Christ’s coming into the world.
What Is the Annunciation of Mary?
Sometimes you’ll hear it called the Annunciation of Mary. This emphasizes Mary’s unique role in salvation history.
God did not force His plan upon her. Instead, He invited her cooperation—and she freely said yes. Her obedience reverses Eve’s disobedience and opens the door to salvation.
Because of this, Mary is often called the New Eve, and the Annunciation becomes a powerful reminder of humility, trust, and surrender to God’s will.
When Is the Annunciation Celebrated?
The Solemnity of the Annunciation is celebrated every year on March 25.
This date is exactly nine months before Christmas, marking the time between Christ’s conception and His birth.
Why Is the Annunciation Celebrated on March 25?
The date is deeply symbolic. Early Christians recognized that Jesus’ conception and His Passion were connected, and March 25 was traditionally believed to be the date of His crucifixion as well.
So this feast beautifully ties together the beginning of Christ’s earthly life with the sacrifice He would one day make.
Is the Annunciation a Solemnity?
Yes, the Annunciation is a solemnity, which is the highest rank of feast in the Catholic Church.
Solemnities celebrate the most important mysteries of our faith. Because the Annunciation marks the Incarnation itself, it holds a place of great importance in the liturgical calendar.
Is the Annunciation a Holy Day of Obligation?
This is one of the most common questions.
The answer: it depends on where you live.
In many countries, the Annunciation is not a holy day of obligation. In Canada and the United States, Catholics are not required to attend Mass, although it is highly encouraged.
Even though it’s not obligatory, attending Mass on this day is a beautiful way to honor Christ’s Incarnation and Our Lady’s yes.
What Happens at Mass on the Annunciation?
The Mass for the Annunciation is especially reverent and joyful.
Help kids notice:
- the liturgical colour is white
- the Gloria is recited even during Lent, which is rare!
- The readings focus on prophecy and fulfillment
- The Gospel recounts the Annunciation from Luke
- During the Creed, we bow at the words “and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man”
Catholic Traditions for the Annunciation
Pray the Angelus
The Angelus is a traditional Catholic prayer that reflects on the Annunciation. It is often prayed at morning, noon, and evening. This is a perfect day to introduce or deepen the practice with your children.
Pray the Magnificat
The Magnificat in English and in Latin is down the page!
Pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
Marian devotion
Since this feast honors Mary’s yes, it’s a beautiful time to pray the Rosary, set up a Marian altar, and reflect on virtues like humility, obedience, and trust in God.
Celebrate with white or blue
Liturgical colors for the Annunciation are white, symbolizing purity and joy. You might dress children in white or blue, decorate your prayer space, or light a candle during prayer time.
Simple feast meal
Because this is a solemnity, it’s appropriate to mark it with a small celebration, even during Lent. A simple sweet bread, honey cake, or special family dinner can make the day feel set apart.
The Magnificat in English and Latin
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children forever.
(Lk 1: 46-55)
Magnificat anima mea Dominum;
Et exultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari meo,
Quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae; ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes.
Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est, et sanctum nomen ejus, Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies timentibus eum.
Fecit potentiam brachio suo;
Dispersit superbos mente cordis sui.
Deposuit potentes de sede, et exaltavit humiles.
Esurientes implevit bonis, et divites dimisit inanes.
Sucepit Israel, puerum suum, recordatus misericordiae suae, Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros, Abraham et semeni ejus in saecula.
Free Printable Annunciation Coloring Page
You folks know I am into the super easiest ways of making liturgical living happen on real weekdays. So I am all about the free colouring pages! Here is one I made for the Annunciation. I found this graphic that looks like a vintage painting (going to go look up if it is later!).
How to Access the Free Printable
- Drop your email in the box below. If you cannot see the subscription box, turn off any ad or pop-up blockers you have running.
- Check your inbox and click through to the PDF.
- Save it to your computer or phone.
- Print it off at home or at your local printer.
- For personal and non-profit use only. I get a lot of requests for parishes to use my printables. Thank you for asking, and you are absolutely welcome to do so. If you would like, you can buy me a coffee by using my Tip Jar, and please pray for me!
- Watermark free versions may be available on my Etsy shop.
You can use it during quiet time, while reading the Gospel story, or as part of your feast day celebration. It’s a simple but meaningful way to help children engage with the beauty of this solemnity.
Why the Annunciation Still Matters Today
In a world that often values control, speed, and self-reliance, the Annunciation offers something very different.
It shows us that God works through humility, that great things begin in hidden ways, and that saying yes to God changes everything.
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