25 March - This day reminds us of the announcement to Mary, through the Archangel Gabriel, of her divine maternity and the incarnation of the Lord in her womb by the Holy Spirit.

Annunciation is inseparable from the mystery of Christ's incarnation. For more than four thousand years, the whole earth has waited for the Saviour promised by God, so the Annunciation is like the knell that announces: "Behold the Redeemer". In order to redeem man's sins, the Son of God left his throne and took on the nature of man. He became man so that there might be an offering, a sacrifice worthy of God. So the Archangel entered Mary's house and greeted her: "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. The young woman was overwhelmed, but the Archangel hastened to reassure her: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. Behold, you are about to conceive and bear a son, and you will give him the name of Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God shall give him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and his kingdom shall have no end". Mary, still surprised, the angel enchained: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will take you under his shadow; therefore he who is to be born will be holy, he will be called Son of God". She could answer only with a "yes": "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let all things be done to me according to your word".

The mystery was fulfilled, at that very moment. The Word is incarnate, and Mary praised God: "My soul exalts the Lord, exults my spirit in God, my Savior! He looked upon his humble handmaid; henceforth all ages will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done wonders for me; Holy is his name! His mercy extends from age to age on those who fear him". The human life of the Son of God began in Mary. The incarnation of the Son of God by the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of the redemption of humanity.