Formula of Concord: Solid Declaration – Confident.Faith

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord. The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and announced that she had found favor with the Lord and would bear a son. The same Spirit that hovered over the water back in Genesis would “come upon” and “overshadow” Mary, and conceive in her virgin womb Christ, our Lord and Savior. The Ancient Church believed the crucifixion took place on the 25th, and so we celebrate the Annunciation on the same day, as the day of one’s conception and the day of one’s death were linked in antiquity.

Today we celebrate the Festival of St. Joseph, Guardian of Jesus. Believing the words of the angel who instructed him not to fear to take Mary, then pregnant with Christ, as his wife, Joseph showed himself to be a just and believing man. Serving as Christ’s earthly guardian, Joseph protected and provided for Mary and Jesus, led them in their flight to Egypt, and brought them back to Nazareth. Joseph is remembered for his faith, believing the bare word of God delivered by the angel, and for his role as a parent and guardian.

Today we commemorate St. Patrick, Missionary to Ireland. Born around AD 389 in Britain, St. Patrick is one of the best known saints. Captured by raiders as a teenager, he was transported to Ireland and forced to work as a shepherd. After escaping from captivity and living in France (as a monk), he returned to Ireland to spread the Gospel. Tradition holds that St. Patrick died on 17 March around the year AD 466.