The Annunciation is a central event in Catholic belief, commemorating the moment when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to announce that she would conceive Jesus, the Son of God. Celebrated on March 25, the feast of the Annunciation marks Mary's "yes" or *fiat*—her faithful consent to God’s plan of salvation. According to the Gospel of Luke, Gabriel greeted Mary with the words, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" (Luke 1:28), and explained that she would bear a child by the power of the Holy Spirit.

This event is foundational in the Catholic faith, as it signifies the Incarnation, the moment God took on human flesh. It’s a day of deep reverence for Mary's humility, obedience, and role as the Mother of God (*Theotokos*). Catholics honor the Annunciation with special Masses, prayers like the Angelus, and reflections on Mary’s example of faith and surrender to God’s will.