The Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord on March 25, a crucial moment in the history of salvation. This feast recalls the moment when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would be the mother of the Son of God. Her "let it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38) represents a model of faith and total surrender to the divine will.
The mystery of the Annunciation is inseparable from the Incarnation, since it is the moment in which God assumes human nature. St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of the Opus DeiHe emphasized the greatness of this event, affirming that "God calls us to sanctify ourselves in ordinary life, as Mary accepted her mission with humility.
Our mother, the Virgin Mary, is an example for all Christians, especially for those called to the priesthood. Her trusting and unreserved response is a reflection of the disposition that all Christians must have in order to become priests. seminarian and priest should have before God's call.
In Spain, the Episcopal Conference celebrates on March 25 the "Day of the Bishops".Day for Life"recalling the sacred value of human life from conception. In 2025, the slogan is "Embracing life, building hope," a call for the protection of life at all stages.
For diocesan priests and future pastors supported by the CARF Foundation, this feast has a special meaning. The defense of life is part of their mission, being witnesses of the Gospel in a society that often relativizes the value of human existence.
The commitment of priests and seminarians is not only based on the defense of life from conception, but also in their pastoral work to accompany people at every stage of their lives. Their theological and spiritual formation prepares them to be guides in faith and counselors in difficult moments. Inspired by Mary's yes, they are called to be heralds of hope, promoting a culture of life and Christian love.
In addition, this holiday invites them to deepen their vocation, reaffirming their commitment to evangelization and the teaching of Christian doctrine.
In times when human dignity faces multiple challenges, their witness takes on special relevance. The Annunciation is for them a reminder of their mission to be Christ's living presence in the world, transmitting the message of salvation in word and deed.
The Feast of the Annunciation invites us not only to meditate on Mary's yes, but also to renew our surrender to God with trust and joy.
Mary, with her humble and courageous acceptance, teaches us that every Christian, regardless of his or her state in life, is called to give his or her own yes to God in everyday life.
For seminarians and diocesan priests it is a day of special reflection on their vocation and on their commitment to be defenders of life and faith.
However, this call is not exclusive to them. Each member of the faithful, from his or her own reality, can make Christ present in the world by his or her acts of charity, Christian witness and trust in God's providence.
The Annunciation reminds us that each of us, as part of God's people, can be an instrument in his hands, bringing hope, love and faith to those around us.
