The Expectation of The Blessed Virgin Mary

December 18 was a special day in the Church's calendar, dedicated to contemplating what Mary felt in the days leading up to Jesus' birth. It can be traced back to the 7th century and was originally the feast of the Annunciation.

At that time, special feast days during Lent were not allowed, and so instead of transferring the feast of the Annunciation from March 25 to a random day during Easter, the Church decided to transfer it to the Advent season. The date of December 18 was picked, and the feast remained focused on the mysteries surrounding the Annunciation for several centuries.

By the 17th century, the regulations during Lent had been relaxed, and the Church considered it more fitting to celebrate the Annunciation in March than in December.

They transferred the feast back to its original date, but in Spain, they kept December 18 as a special day dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary

The celebration of this feast is no longer on the universal calendar, but it does highlight an important historical reality. It invites the faithful to envision what it was like to be the Blessed Virgin Mary, about to give birth to the Savior of the world.

The feast heightens the anticipation of Christmas and makes the last few days of Advent unique opportunities to meditate on what Mary must have been pondering in her heart as she waited patiently for the birth of her Son, Jesus Christ.

God our Father, may we always profit by the prayers of the Virgin Mother Mary, for you bring us life and salvation through Jesus Christ her Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

May peace be with you this Advent. God bless!