The Feast of the Annunciation is often described as a ‘Christmas feast’ in the middle of Lent, marking the conception of Jesus in Mary’s womb through the Holy Spirit. Its place in the liturgical year is far from accidental: falling nine months before Christmas, March 25 was traditionally held to be the date of Christ’s death. The coming of Jesus, announced by the Angel Gabriel to Mary, would culminate on the Cross of Calvary.

Linking the event of the Annunciation with the event of Christ’s death points to the truth that Christ’s conception and death on the Cross are part of the same mission to redeem humanity. As we read in Gaudium et Spes: ‘Since human nature as He assumed it was not annulled, by that very fact it has been raised up to a divine dignity in our respect too.’ Through His Incarnation, Christ elevated every aspect of humanity, including its beginnings in the womb.