A young woman named Mary lived in the town of Nazareth in Galilee. She was the cousin of Elizabeth, Zachary's wife.A young woman named Mary lived in the town of Nazareth in Galilee. She was the cousin of Elizabeth, Zachary's wife.
Mary was a very holy virgin. She never Mary was a very holy virgin. She never committed the smallest sin. She was as pure and good as the angels. Mary was married to Joseph, a carpenter. God had chosen him to watch over Mary and protect her.
Six months after appearing to Zachary, the Angel Gabriel was sent by God to the Virgin Mary. Mary was praying and thinking of the goodness of God. Suddenly the Angel appeared. He greeted her in these words: "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women."
Mary was very much surprised. She was humble, and wondered why the Angel spoke to her such words of praise.
The Angel said to her: "God is pleased with your goodness and purity. He has blessed you. The Holy Ghost shall come to you, and you shall have a Son. You shall name Him Jesus. He will be called the Son of God. He will be the great King that was foretold by the Prophets, and His kingdom will never end."
Mary was obedient. She knew that the Angel was sent by God to tell her His wishes. Therefore she answered, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy word."
As soon as Mary gave this answer, she became the Mother of God. The Second Person of the Blessed Trinity took to Him- self a body and soul like ours and became man. This is a great mystery, something we cannot understand. We believe it only because God teaches it to us through His holy Church. This mystery is called the Incarnation. By it the Son of God became Man and dwelt among us.
The coming of the Angel to Mary is called the Annunciation, because the Angel announced the birth of Jesus. The Church celebrates the feast of the Annunciation every year on March 25. It reminds us of the Angel Gabriel's visit to Mary, Mother of Jesus, and Mother of all Christians who love her.
- from My Bible History in Pictures, by Bishop Louis LaRavoire Morrow, D.D., 1934; it has the Imprimatur of Archbishop Michael J O'Doherty of Manila, Philippines