Course 4, Chapter 39: Christianity visible. — The Annunciation

Q What feast do we celebrate on the 25th of March?

A. We celebrate the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin. The archangel Gabriel being sent to Mnry to announce to her that she was to be the mother of Go;l, said to her: Hail, full of (/race, the Lord is with thee. Me*xed art thou among women.

1. What did the Blessed Virgin do?

The Blessed Virgin, being troubled at these words, kept a modest silence, thinking within herself thin saluta'iou could mean.

394 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

2. What did the angel do, seeing that she wai troubled?

The angel seeing that she was troubled, has tened to relieve her anxiety, saying: Fear not, Alary, for thou hast found grace with God; the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee; and thou shalt bring forth a son, and he shall be called the Son of God. Mary, whose consent was necessary, humbly sub mitted, saying: Behold the hand-maid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word: and instantly the Son of God was incarnated in the chaste womb of Mary.

3. What do you remark on this dignity of Mother of God?

It is to it that women are indebted for the honor and respect they enjoy since the preaching of the gospel. Therefore should they cherish a tender devotion to Mary.

4. What IB the Ave Maria?

The A ve Maria, or Angelic salutation, is a prayer in honor of the Blessed Virgin.

5. Of what is it composed?

It is composed: 1st, of the words addressed by the angel to the Blessed Virgin; 2d, of the words of St. Elizabeth, when she was visited by her cousin, the Blessed Virgin; 3d, of the words added by the church.

6. When should we recite the A ve Maria?

We should recite it often; but especially in the morning, the middle of the day, and at night; as also the Angelus, morning, noon and evening, for the saying of which great indulgences have been granted.