Today the Church marks the Feast of the Annunciation. It is exactly nine months until Christmas, the Nativity of Our Lord. Because today celebrates the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary, this day is also used to pray for the unborn and for the protection of life from the moment of conception. Pope Benedict XVI encouraged this in his general audience yesterday:
Turning then to address Polish pilgrims, the Holy Father recalled the fact that tomorrow marks the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. "In Poland", he remarked, "it is also celebrated as the Day of the Sacredness of Life. The mystery of the Incarnation reveals the specific value of the dignity of human life. God gave us this gift and sanctified it when the Son became man and was born of Mary. It is a gift that must be protected, from conception until natural death. With all my heart I join people involved in various initiatives aimed at respecting life and promoting a new social awareness".
The Knights of Columbus are instrumental in promoting March 25 as they Day of the Unborn Child. The Knights of Columbus of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Annandale are sponsoring a community recitation of the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. If you are not able to join the Knights in person, a private recitation of the Rosary for the protection of the unborn child and for the support of all pregnant women would be appropriate.
If you are still seeking an opportunity to offer alms during Lent, the local crisis pregnancy centers could use your support. Gabriel Project of Arlington offers aid to pregnant women. You can also contact Children's Services for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. The Archdiocese of Washington has both a Gabriel Project and a network of pro-life pregnancy centers to offer assistance to pregnant women.
For more info:
Knights of Columbus Day of the Unborn Child
Diocese of Arlington Pregnancy Resources
Archdiocese of Washington Pregnancy Resources
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