Celebrating the Solemnity of the Annunciation at Transfiguration Church

Et ait Angelus ei: Ne timeas Maria, invenisti enim gratiam apud Deum. Ecce concipies in utero, et paries filium, et vocabis nomen eius IESUM. (Lk 1:30–31) *

On Wednesday evening, the Solemnity of the Annunciation was beautifully observed at Transfiguration Church in Chinatown, New York. The turnout was remarkable—the church was nearly full.

I was glad to see that the church had retained the Passiontide custom of veiling statues in purple, a striking reminder of mourning, penance, and of Christ hiding Himself from His persecutors. The Sung Latin Mass featured Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices, performed beautifully by the choir, whose effort elevated the Liturgy.

Before Mass, there was an unexpected moment. On my way out, a friendly Border Collie wandered up to me and began playing at my feet. His owner, a tall blond woman, soon followed and introduced him—Benjamin, a therapy dog. Learning that, I joked that it must have been what drew him to me.

In passing conversation, I mentioned that I was on my way to church. She asked if I was Catholic, and then why Catholics “worship” Mary. I explained that we do not worship the Virgin; we honor her as the Mother of God, and worship God alone.

She replied that most Christians do not venerate her—a claim that is not quite accurate, given that most Christians are Catholic. Already running late and not inclined to debate, I answered simply: “Well, that’s their problem,” patted Benjamin one last time, and made my way to church.

After Mass, we broke the Lenten fast with a simple serving of pommes frites. A modest end to a solemn day—marked by grace, music, and the quiet persistence of faith.

~ By Giovanni di Napoli, March 26th, Feast of Beata Maddalena Caterina Morano

Notes
* The Angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God: behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name Jesus. (Lk 1:30–31)