Today's Saint (March 24): Gabriel, Archangel
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Gabriel, whose name means 'Power of God,' is mentioned in the Old Testament as having appeared to Daniel in order to help him with the interpretations of his visions and the impending time of Christ's birth (Daniel 8:16-26 and 9:21-27).In the New Testament he proclaims the birth of John the Baptist to Zachariah (Luke 1:13-20).
However, Gabriel is perhaps best known for announcing to the Virgin Mary that she would be the 'God-bearer' of the Son of God through conception by the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:26-28). This event is called the Annunciation, and is the first of the "Joyful Mysteries" of the Rosary.
The accompanying picture is entitled the "Annunciation," by Paola de Matteis. We will celebrate the Annunciation tomorrow.
"Hail, Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women: and blessed is the fruit of thy womb." (The day's tract, page E 42, The People's Anglican Missal).
The Day's Propers
Catholic Encyclopedia articleBooks Worth Considering
Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
www.episcopalnet.org