The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord is a day we celebrate when the Blessed Virgin Mary’s unequivocal “Yes!” to God.
Celebrated on March 25, 2025, the Solemnity marks the Angel Gabriel’s appearance to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38), and his announcement that the Blessed Virgin has been chosen to be the Mother of Our Lord, and Mary’s willing acceptance of God’s Holy Plan.
To mark this Solemnity, Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria University, as well as the entire town took part in various activities on Saturday, March 22, in anticipation of the Solemnity so as to allow more people to participate in the festivities.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the principal celebrant for the Mass at Ave Maria, saying the faithful should learn from the example of Mary and apply Her willingness to be open to the call of the Lord in our own lives; as it is inspiring to know the Blessed Virgin Mary had the courage to say “yes.”
“The Annunciation provides a specific dimension of Our Lady, how she had a role to play in Salvation History,” Bishop Dewane said. “This singular moment between this young woman and this messenger of the Almighty should be a lesson to each one of us – our own salvation hinges upon our consent to be saved. That consent needs to be given over and over again. You have to strive to listen to the Lord, to give consent to who we are, and who the Lord wants us to be.”
In the Book of Genesis, we learn how God’s own intention was necessary in the creation and sustained expansion of the universe, Bishop Dewane explained. In Genesis, God said “Let there be” to light and all creation. In the Gospel of Luke we hear Mary say, “Let it be,” a similar phrase that brought forth the Light of the world, saying: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
“These are the words that give life, rather than refuse it,” Bishop Dewane said. “Creation and sustenance are born of positive assent – pure affirmation. Our every yes keeps us on the God-directed path. There are many willing to help you get off that path – but we are all called to stay on that path for God.”
Through daily prayer of the Angelus, and the Holy Rosary, we can keep our focus on God through the Blessed Virgin, the Bishop continued. When life is difficult, we have to consent to obedience and turn to the Lord with our heart and soul.
“We are who the Lord has called us to be,” Bishop Dewane concluded. “We will fail along the way because we are human. When we fail the Lord has given a sacrament (Reconciliation) to aid us on our journey. Let us be conscious of what Our Lady has done – the consent she gave – during those difficult days and recall that our salvation hinges upon our own consent and saying ‘Yes.’”
Father Joseph Lugalambi, Ave Maria University Chaplain, thanked Bishop Dewane for his presence for the Mass and his continued support of the university.
Several university students expressed their joy to be part of the celebration that is the focus of the school, the Parish and the town. “This is our big day and to be part of it with everyone is very special,” one freshman from Sarasota said.
Following the Mass, the faithful were led in a Prayer of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, before the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. An outdoor Eucharistic Procession with more than 1,000 of the faithful walking and praying the Holy Rosary in unison included not only the Blessed Sacrament but also a statue the Blessed Virgin Mary held high and university house banners proudly displayed. The procession travelled a path to a new Rosary Walk, where the closing Benediction was held.
Additional festivities included an outdoor barbecue dinner, and concert.
