The Annunciation

The Annunciation is the event in which the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary in Nazareth and announced that she had been chosen to become the Mother of the Son of God. Mary's free consent — her fiat — is the pivotal moment of the Incarnation (CCC 484).

Gabriel's Greeting

Gabriel greeted Mary not by name but by title: kecharitōmenē — "full of grace" (Luke 1:28). This Greek perfect passive participle implies a completed and permanent state of grace that preceded the Annunciation — pointing to the Immaculate Conception (CCC 490).

Mary's Question and Her Fiat

Mary asked how she could conceive, since she had no relations with a man. Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High would overshadow her. Mary responded: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). This free consent — her fiat — made the Incarnation possible (CCC 494).

The New Eve

The Church sees Mary at the Annunciation as the New Eve — whose obedient "yes" to God reversed Eve's disobedient "no." Where Eve chose her own will over God's, Mary submitted her will entirely to God's (CCC 494, 511).

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Annunciation celebrated? The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25 — nine months before Christmas, marking the moment of the Incarnation itself. When this date falls during Holy Week or Easter Week, it is moved to the Monday after the Second Sunday of Easter.

Why does the Incarnation depend on Mary's consent? God does not force — not even for the most important event in history. His respect for human freedom meant the salvation of the world was offered to Mary as a genuine proposal. Her "yes" was real, free, and essential (CCC 494).