The Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord is celebrated tomorrow (Saturday 25 March).
It celebrates the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and bear a son, who would be named Jesus, the Son of God.
The event is described in the Gospel of Luke, and marks the beginning of the life of Christ on earth.
Paul Atkin, Pro-Life Officer for the Archdiocese, said: “The Annunciation is exactly nine months before Christmas.
"The Feast reminds us that the unborn Jesus is present, in the womb of Mary from the moment of His conception and encourages us to recognise and protect life from the very beginning.”
The Annunciation is an important event because it marks the beginning of the Incarnation, which is the central mystery of our faith. It is through the Incarnation that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, and the Annunciation is the moment when God's plan for salvation begins to be fulfilled.
The Annunciation is also emphasises the role of Mary in God's plan. Catholics believe that Mary's "yes" to God's plan was a key moment in salvation history, and that Mary's faith and obedience serve as an example to all Christians.
Begin Holy Week with Archbishop Cushley to pray the Stations of the Cross for unborn children, their mothers and all Pro-Life intentions. Join us on Monday 3 April at 7:45pm. Register here.