On a visit to Nazareth in the Holy Land, I had the privilege of entering into the grotto at the Basilica of the Annunciation that marks the traditional site of Mary’s childhood home. Imagine – this might be the very place where she heard from the angel Gabriel!
On the altar it says, in Latin, Verbum caro hic factum est: “Here the word became flesh.”

Grotto, Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth. Photo by Sarah Christmyer.
Here!
At noon, I watched as priests filed in to pray the Angelus.
I’m praying the Angelus from home today and remembering this wonderful experience. Will you join me?
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, etc…
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to Your Word.
Hail Mary, etc…
V. And the Word was made flesh,
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, etc…
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord,
Your Grace into our hearts;
that as we have known the incarnation of Christ,
your Son by the message of an angel,
so by His passion and cross
we may be brought to the glory of His Resurrection.
Through the same Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
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