Because the conventional date of the Annunciation, 25 March, fell in Holy Week this year, the celebration was transferred to this Monday. The Church does this so as not to interrupt the solemn celebration of the central event of our salvation, from Palm Sunday and through the Easter Octave. Of course, the Annunciation of the Incarnation by the Archangel Gabriel to the blessed virgin Mary initiates the realization of that mystery. In a sense, this springtime feast closes the circle of our celebrations.
The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Abbot Robert Barnes presiding and Fr. James preaching. It is a non-work day for the monks and we follow the Sunday schedule. As such, Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament will be celebrated after Vespers (5:30 PM).