Today is a big event in the Church because we commemorate the feastday of the Annunciation. We remember how St Gabriel declared to the Blessed Virgin Mary that God had chosen her to be the mother of His only Son. And we recall how Mary, after saying her unconditional "Yes" to God through St Gabriel, conceived the Word Made Flesh, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world.
As a beautiful start to our day, we went to Mass in celebration of the Annunciation. And because this is also the day we fly out to Los Angeles, we thought we'd go to Mass first thing - to allow us to do some last minute things. We're all eager to make the trip and at long last, we're finally packed and ready to go. Although, I must say - as we get closer to THE time, we keep finding more and more things to squeeze into our bags and suitcases. The kids keep finding this ball or that toy to take to the trip. :D
Well! I guess this is it. We're off to an adventure which would hopefully translate into happy memories to remember in time. We're very much looking forward to meeting and reuniting with family and friends, seeing new and interesting places, and of course enriching our faith life with our little self-devised Easter "retreat" at the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, Alabama.
Also, although we touch down at our destination tomorrow, Oz time, it will still be the 25th of March in the USA. That certainly means an extended celebration for the feastday of the Annunciation. This alone makes it quite interesting already, especially for the kids!
Well, hopefully more time to celebrate and commemorate the event means... more time to avail of the graces attached to the feastday??
Happy feastday of the Annunciation! AVE MARIA!!!
