GO to HomePage

Events--Local & National (International at end of list)

NOTE: It is important to make a concerted effort to reestablish celebration of holy days in the wake of the events of 2020, both public and private family gatherings. Covid19 restrictions and lockdowns had a suppressive effect on worship services and public celebration of feast days that can have a lasting impact as the tradition of annual events is broken and many longstanding events are not aggressively publicized but rely on the reinforcement of tradition to preserve these special occasions for future generations. As such it is essential to renew our commitment to celebrating the Annunciation and Day of the Unborn Child.

PLEASE NOTE: IN 2022 THERE ARE FAR MORE MARCH 25TH PUBLIC EVENTS THAT CAN BE INCLUDED HERE DUE TO POPE FRANCIS MAKING THE CONSECRATION OF RUSSIA AND UKRAINE TO THE IHM ON THE FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION--A HOLY DAY ALSO IMPORTANT IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCHES--WHICH POPE JOHN PAUL II CHOSE FOR HIS 1984 CONSECRATION AS WELL. These may not specifically be Day of the Unborn Child events, but many may be combined in intent as the pro-life events were already planned for March 25th before the consecration by Pope Francis was announced -- scroll down or click this link to skip to the State Listing for a partial selection of events -- International including Australia is at the end of the U.S. list. There is likely an event closer to you not on the list, so consult local Catholic diocese websites as event details are still being finalized--many bishops (perhaps most by now) are participating locally and inviting the public to attend masses and prayer services on the day or the very hour the consecration will take place -- 5 p.m. Rome time which is 12 noon eastern time. EWTN WILL ALSO HAVE COVERAGE OF THE CONSECRATION LIFE AND SPECIAL ANNUNCIATION PROGRAMMING -- see the homepage of this site and for the most up-to-date info visit the links to EWTN' s program schedule below.

[PLEASE NOTE: FOR THOSE STILL UNDER PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS, A VARIETY OF AT-HOME ALTERNATE "VIRTUAL" OBSERVANCES ARE LISTED BELOW AS WELL AS FAMILY ACTIVITIES ON THE IDEAS PAGE -- EWTN HAS ADDITIONAL ANNUNCIATION PROGRAMMING FOR POPE FRANCIS' CONSECRATION OF RUSSIA AND UKRAINE TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY -- PLEASE SEE THE HOME PAGE NOTATIONS IN BOLD FOR DETAILS AND THE ALTERNATE ACTIVITIES IF THERE IS NO IN-PERSON EVENT NEAR YOU.]

Alternate Annual & "From Home" Activities -- Note that some Day of the Unborn Child events are moved to a more convenient date near March 25th -- please also see the tips on honoring the day in "transfer" years at the bottom of this webpage. If no DOTUC/Annunciation event is listed below in the nationwide and state/city listings in your area, consider these options:

EWTN's Annunciation Novena Online & Broadcast Events -- For 2022 EWTN highlights the special Annunciation Day events and coverage of the Holy Father's Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary -- beginning March 24, with live coverage of the event on March 25th, re-airing the 26th--see this site's home page for current planned coverage and the link to EWTN's program schedule for the latest updates. EWTN's ANNUAL ANNUNCIATION CELEBRATION includes a suggested Annunciation prayer to be said each of nine consecutive days can be found here or at https://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/Novena/annovena.htm). Begin or end the Novena on March 25 or the transfer date.

EWTN's TV broadcast often includes taped specials on the meaning of the Annnunciation and/or the Holy Land Solemn Mass of the Annunciation from Nazareth (last minute additions/changes may be made to the EWTN listings) -- you can also use these links to Watch OnLine and check the updated schedule (click on their program names to get re-air times) -- or go to their online schedule and use the find command on your phone/computer to search the term ANNUNCIATION -- times given in ET. EWTN' annual Annunciation programming usually includes:-- Mass of the Annunciation of the Lord with MFVA--"The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word celebrate the Mass of the Solemn Feast of the Annunciation live from Our Lady of the Angels Chapel in Irondale, AL." (PLEASE NOTE: Your cable equipment may allow you to search for special Annunciation programming -- just click the search button, or use your remote's arrow to move to it and ENTER -- then use your remote to type/choose the letters ANNUNCIATION in the search box).

For denominations that have church services 7-days-a-week: Attend regular daily church service on the day (or the day to which it is moved in years in which it is transferred). Look up phone numbers and websites of local churches named after the Annunciation you may be able to attend as a mini-pilgrimage -- they may have special events planned -- use an on-line yellow pages and enter your location, and in the search box type: Annunciation

There may be ongoing pro-life activities in which you can take part on March 25th -- for example, the day usually falls within or near the end of the annual spring campaign of 40 Days For Life which has prayer vigils all across the U.S. and in other countries as well (click here for more info or for a direct link to locations click here).

If you would like to attend a Day of the Unborn Child mass but are unable or cannot find one locally, March 25th is a perfect time to sign up to be counted among participants in the Priests For Life "Celebrate the Annunciation!" prayer campaign -- visit the webpage here to read the "Redeemer in the Womb" prayer (there is also a contact link to let PFL know you will pray it regularly) -- PFL may as in past years offer 9-month Annunciation-to-Christmas programs to follow and learn the stages of prenatal life and underscore the March 25/December 25 connection -- its past programs like BabyChris.org can also enhance a local Spiritual Adoption program allowing you to pray periodically over nine months for a vulnerable child as you follow the stages of development online. Also, as the feast draws near the American Life League home page often invites prayer intentions for their pro-life Annunciation mass -- they also offer an overview of the Biblical account of the Annunciation and ideas for home, school and parish based celebrations -- for the latest on ALL's Annunciation Mass prayer intentions enter Annunciation in their website search box or click here for ALL Annunciation articles.

2022 (Year of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to IHM on the March 25th Feast of the Annunciation)

(Click here to skip to International Events & others outside the U.S.)

PLEASE NOTE for 2022:

The Orthodox Annunciation holy day is April 7th--Please Pray for Ukraine and Russia this April, continuing the prayerful spirit begun on our own Feast of the Annunciation March 25, 2022. Orthodox Christians in these nations observe this feast of Christ's conception according to the old calendar, but preserve the 9 month interval before their Jan. 7 Christmas, as do we with our two 25ths. As we pray for our own nations and families during this preparatory season, let's take time to pray for this part of the world as we reflect on the meaning of Christ's Incarnation in the womb of the Virgin Mary during our solemn Lent in the hopeful coming light of Easter.

Although the events for March 25, 2022 have passed, consider writing a note of thanks if your bishop and or priest participated in, promoted or had a special mass or service for the consecration -- send it by mail, e-mail, or post it online at the parish or diocesan Facebook page, website, or Twitter account. Here is an example that also gives additional information on the day's significance: Many thanks to our bishop for participating in and encouraging others to be a part of the historic call to prayer via the Holy Father's Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The choice of the March 25th Annunciation Feast of Christ's conception (9 months before Christmas) as the day to consecrate Russia and Ukraine is fitting, for this high ranking solemnity in the Catholic Church is also an important feast day in the Orthodox churches, and its Incarnational import highlights the sanctity of all human life especially the vulnerable. The date is additionally significant in recent history, and personally for Pope Francis as his homeland of Argentina was first among nations to choose the March 25th Annunciation feast as the Day of the Unborn Child, and as a new archbishop he was there for the inauguration of this important life-affirming movement on that first celebration of the Day of the Unborn more than 20 years ago. Pope St. John Paul II also chose the March 25th Annunciation for his prayer of consecration in 1984, and surely his prayers from heaven did join with all of ours on this special day. God Bless.

* * *

In 2022 there are many opportunities to attend a public March 25th event as a result of Pope Francis deciding to make the Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to Mary's Immaculate Heart on the Feast of the Annunciation (the same feast Pope St. John Paul II chose to make his 1984 consecration). See a partial listing at our events page. These may not specifically be Day of the Unborn Child events, but many may be combined in intent as the pro-life events were already planned for March 25th before the consecration by Pope Francis was announced. Consult local Catholic diocese websites as event details are still being finalized--many bishops (perhaps most by now) are participating locally and inviting the public to attend masses and prayer services on the day or the very hour the consecration will take place -- 5 p.m. Rome time which is 12 noon eastern time. [Catholics should also note that although ordinarily the Annunciation feast's high rank of a solemnity would permit meat to be eaten even on a Friday in Lent (see Canon 1251), this year because of the gravity of world events, Pope Francis has asked the faithful to observe the day this year as a day of penance--to abstain from meat or some other sacrifice or do an act of charity in a prayerful spirit of penitence. If you are have already planned a meal including meat for the feast day partake in prayerful celebration of the Annunciation--for example, start by saying a prayer of grace for Ukraine, Russia, and for renewed respect for life as reflected in the Incarnation at Christ's conception to spread throughout the world.] Whatever your faith tradition, please stop to pray at that time or some time during the day Friday March 25th -- for Russia, and Ukraine, and also for respect for the sanctity of human life worldwide. Please include a prayer for all the good intended by the consecration and the good intentions and prayers of all participating. This can be done at home or anywhere for those who cannot attend in person. EWTN will have special Annunciation coverage beginning March 24th at 5:30 pm with a special entitled The Feast of the Annunciation and then at 6:30 pm with the Opening Mass of "24 Hours for the Lord" -- all times eastern. Then on the March 25th feast day itself there is a 2:30 am repeat of the Feast of the Annunciation special followed by the new addition of the "Solemn Mass of the Annunciation" from Nazareth at 3:00 am -- then EWTN's local daily mass for the Annunciation at 8:00 am, (followed by 9:15 rosary) -- then the Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary (and Celebration of Penance) at 12:00 noon eastern time (to re-air March 26 also at 12 pm) -- followed by live adoration at 3:20 pm, then a Holy Mass for the Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at 4:00 pm -- followed by another Annunciation special "Annunciation -- A Call to Faith in a Broken World" at 5:30 pm. [Please note that the TV schedule has included late changes so consult the online EWTN TV SCHEDULE for changes and additions].

LISTINGS NOTE: [Locations/Churches that usually have an Annunciation or Day of the Unborn Child event but have not publicized details for the current year may also have a website or contact information listed -- please visit site or call the parish, council, etc. for up-to-date info.]

Please note that the list below includes both Day of the Unborn Child events, general pro-life events, and those that celebrate the Annunciation only, as well as those that combine these elements. In 2022 most events focus on the Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the IHM since Pope Francis has chosen to make the consecration intentionally on the Feast of the Annunciation. Not all Annunciation themed events are explicitly pro-life -- note the name of the event and description -- but they are implicitly pro-life by virtue of what is being celebrated -- you may always offer your personal pro-life intentions. The event listing is a free service for those seeking events to attend--inclusion does not imply affiliation or endorsement in either direction and print materials offered via this site may not be available at the events listed below (for a complimentary prayer card, contact the webmaster directly).

State Listing:

Alabama

HANCEVILLE

SEE NOTE ABOVE ON SPECIAL 2022 EWTN PROGRAMMING FOR THE 2022 CONSECRATION OF RUSSIA AND UKRAINE WHICH MAY ALTER THE USUAL CELEBRATION OF MASSES AT EWTN OR THE SHRINE.

Usually 7 a.m. -- Conventual Mass w/ the Nuns, Main Church, Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The beautiful and impressive shrine regularly seen on the EWTN television network offers Annunciation masses. It is located at 3222 County Rd. 548, Hanceville, AL 35077. Phone: 205-795-5717

Click here for the shrine's events page, or here to go directly to their Annunciation event page -- Watch EWTN for broadcast and replays throughout the day.

Florida

AVE MARIA

"Feast of The Annunciation -- the patronal Feast Day for the town and university -- is always a big event in Ave Maria." For more details see their Annunciation event listing and the general events at the aveherald.com home page as well as the Ave Maria University website events listing. Also click on the bulletin link for the week of the Annunciation at the Oratory/Quasi-Parish at this link..

VENICE (and surrounding area)

Venice has a tradition of celebrating the Annunciation with special pro-life masses, and in 2022 the Bishop of the Diocese of Venice Florida the Most. Rev. Frank Dewane to pray the prayer of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the IHM at the same time as Pope Francis in Rome on March 25th, noon eastern time at Epiphany Cathedral followed by Mass for the feast of the Annunciation. To view the live streamed mass, visit the diocesan Facebook page -- also see the diocesan website here for news and updates and check the calendar here for events/masses.

Illinois

PEORIA

Peoria has a tradition of having special pro-life/family events for March 25th. Contact the Peoria Diocese and their Respect Life office for any special events for the Annunciation. You can also visit the Peoria diocese Respect Life website here and check the calendar here -- additional information may be posted at their blog site and categorized in its Upcoming Events, Update, and Respect Life Celebration links, or at its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Massachusetts

DEDHAM

March 25, Fri. 12:10 p.m. -- Mass for the Unborn Child -- Followed by Rosary for Life -- "With the Holy Mass Intention: For a Conversion of Hearts that Will End Abortion" -- "A 9 Month Novena of Masses for the Unborn will Continue March -- December." Address: Saint Mary of the Assumption Dedham, 420 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026

New York

BUFFALO

March 25th 2022 -- Bishop Fisher accepts Pope Francis' invitation to bishops across the world to join in an act of consecration on Friday, March 25th, the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Bishop Fisher will be celebrating at the 12:10 p.m. mass at St. Joseph Cathedral on Friday to allow for participation in this consecration. Any and all faithful are welcomed to join. The diocese FB page also states: "Parishes may also wish to offer Masses, holy hours, or rosaries during this time to pray for Ukraine and the conflict with Russia as we call upon the Lord for peace. Since the Annunciation is a day when fasting is relaxed, it may also be a worthy act to offer a fast for Ukraine on this day, similar to the one suggested on Ash Wednesday. There will also be a Stations of the Cross at 6:30 pm at the Cathedral."

(Other events: Click here for Yearly Events and scroll down to the month of March for more.) A special Day of the Unborn Mass is often scheduled at St. Aloysius Gonzaga church on or near the March 25th Annunciation feast date -- as it may be days before the 25th, contact the parish early or Knights of Columbus Bishop Benincasa Council #10868 to get current info)

NIAGARA FALLS

March 25, 2022 -- PRO-LIFE DAY OF THE UNBORN/ANNUNCIATION ROSARY WILL BE PRAYED AT BOTH ST. MARY OF THE CATARACT CHURCH, AND LATER AT DIVINE MERCY CHURCH. NOTE THAT ST. MARY'S ROSARY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE TIME OF POPE FRANCIS' CONSECRATION OF RUSSIA AND UKRAINE TO MARY'S IMMACULATE HEART. Rosary at St. Mary will begin at 11:45 a.m. March 25 and end just before the 12:10 p.m. feast of the Annunciation Mass -- Address: St. Mary of the Cataract Church -- 241 4th St., Niagara Falls, NY 14303. The Rosary at Divine Mercy Church will begin at 5:30 p.m. ending just before the Friday evening 6:00 pm Stations of the Cross -- Address: Divine Mercy Church -- 335 24th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303-1925. NOTE: If you cannot join in person, please pray wherever you are on March 25th. This feast date set nine months before Christmas reminds us that the Annunciation celebrates Christ's conception. It is a day to pray for renewed reverence for the Incarnation and respect for the sanctity of human life.

NEW YORK, NY (NYC and surrounding area):

March 25th, 2022 -- [Registration Required] International Gift of Life Walk - NYC -- New York City (6th annual). Main event rally begins at 11 am. For more info visit the website, or the Facebook page -- Annual event.

Tennessee

MEMPHIS

March 25, 2022 -- DIOCESAN MASS FOR LIFE, MARCH 25TH, 7 PM, HOLY ROSARY CHURCH.

"Please join us for a Diocesan Mass for Life on the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord on Friday, March 25 at 7 PM at Holy Rosary Church, 4851 Park Avenue, Memphis. Bishop David Talley will be the celebrant, along with priests throughout the Catholic Diocese of Memphis as concelebrants. Sponsored by the Respect Life Committee, Holy Rosary Church. Sponsored by the Respect Life Committee, Holy Rosary Church. The 27th anniversary of the papal encyclical 'Evangelium Vitae,' means 'The Gospel of Life,' and was promulgated on March 25, 1995 by Pope John Paul II. The document was written to reiterate the view of the Roman Catholic Church on the value of life and to warn against violating the sanctity of life."

(Events publicized well in advance are more likely to be included in the listing. For late additions also visit facebook.com/AnnunciationDayMarch25 just before the day.)

Help us build our listings by submitting info on upcoming March Day of the Unborn Child or Feast of the Annunciation events. Contact us with as many details as possible: the name of the event, date, place, time, phone or website (if applicable).

International Events (& national events outside the U.S.):

Note: Spanish speaking countries often have multiple large-scale nationwide pro-life events centered on the March 25th feast -- to find events in one of these nations as the day approaches visit pro-life websites for that country, many of which are included on our Recent Developments page -- or see http://veladas25.org and http://sialavida25m.org for more information. (The Google search engine site's language tools link can be used to produce an English translation of websites in other languages). Also, the internationally known Annunciation shrines/churches of Walsingham England, Loreto Italy, and the actual site of the Annunciation/Incarnation at Nazareth's Annunciation basilica offer the ultimate opportunity to make your own event with an actual pilgrimage (and for those who cannot visit in person, virtual tours, and armchair pilgrimages can also be made via home video and at various sites on-line -- for live webcam virtual pilgrimage to Annunciation basilica see Nazareth section under Israel/Holy Land below.)

NOTE: For liturgical and other reasons, events may take place several days before or after March 25. (In Australia the date may be up to a week earlier so check well in advance). If the date is other than the 25th, it will be noted in the listings. Since information comes from a variety of sources, you may want to call the church/venue to confirm. If a location is listed with no event, it means one was held there in recent years -- see the past events archive to find the church or organization to contact for any current events.

Argentina

For Info on events in Argentina, where the Day of the Unborn Child originated, please visit click here

Australia

For a cradio.org.au interview on the importance of this day in Australia click here

ANNERLEY

Sat. March 26th -- Mary Immaculate Church Annerley -- Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary -- Sat. Mar.26, 2:00 AM (early morning to take place at the same time Pope Francis makes the consecration in Rome) -- includes The Litany of Loreto, Prayer of Consecration, Rosary of Thanksgiving. Later at 8:00 AM there will be a Rosary, Holy Mass, and the Prayer of Consecration. Address: 616 Ipswich, Annerley QLD 4103 Australia -- +61 7 3848 1107

NEW SOUTH WALES

Click here to check for current info.

PERTH

Click here or see the page for East Perth's Pregnancy Assistance for events at St. Mary's Cathedral.

SYDNEY

Sat. Mar. 26 -- St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney -- 3:00 AM (early morning to coincide with Pope Francis making the consecration in Rome, with doors open at 2:30) -- Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. "I invite you to all join with me at this time and to unite ourselves in prayer for peace in our world" -- Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP -- for more see SYDNEYCATHOLIC.ORG.

NOTE: The Consecration events may be replace the usual of events for the Annunciation.

Please note the usual events (prior to the pandemic and 2022 consecration events) are at the times below: Day of the Unborn Child mass at St. Mary's Cathedral, then Angelus, procession, benediction and related events are often celebrated several days early -- visit lifeandfamily.com.au -- Click here for more info. Program usually includes: Morning Solemn Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral; 12 pm Angelus on Cathedral Forecourt followed by Procession; 1:30 pm Benediction Inside the Cathedral.

(Note the stained glass window of the Annunciation inside St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney)

Contact St. Mary's Cathedral and/or visit their website page here for more info (including flyer) on their Annunciation Day of the Unborn Child events. For more information on their Annunciation schedule see their events calendar HERE -- and click the date.

Israel/The Holy Land (Including Virtual Internet Pilgrimage)

NAZARETH -- (Actual & Virtual Live Webcam Pilgrimage)

[EWTN also airs a mass from Nazareth -- March 25, 2022 3:00 am (morning) eastern time]

The ultimate special event to celebrate the feast day is a pilgrimage to the Annunciation church/basilica in Nazareth, where an inscription inside states "The Word was made flesh here." Virtual pilgrimages can be made via the live feed from the site of the Annunciation in Nazareth at the grotto -- it creates a lovely visual background for prayer and/or contemplation on Christ's conception -- to be able to see in real time the place where the Word became flesh, and pilgrims coming to visit this hallowed Holy Land site at the Church of the Annunciation. (For group prayer use a device with a large screen). The live feed is viewable 15 hours a day at https://www.cmc-terrasanta.com/en/event/live-from-the-grotto-of-the-annunciation-in-nazareth/369 -- in EST the times are 11 pm through 2 pm the next day (please note the live feed is often on 24/7 but light levels may be too low to see anything but candlelight). If you are interested in traveling to the Holy Land, click here for information on in-person pilgrimages to Nazareth's Annunciation church, and www.cicts.org gives information on events/Masses for the Annunciation at the basilica in Nazareth as the day approaches. Click here to visit the official site of the basilica, and here for the webpage featuring a video on the new pilgrim's tour that combines the basilica with the archaeological site (click the four-arrows box in the lower right YouTube screen for full size image). A mini photo slide show from the archaeological museum can be viewed here. There is also an informative ChristianNewsToday article on how the Annunciation feast is celebrated in Nazareth ("Nazareth During the Feast of the Annunciation" by Nicole Jansezian for travelujah.com) available here -- events include a special Mass, a traditional parade, and guided tours by the Nazareth Cultural and Tourism Association highlight Mary's Well Square, the Greek Orthodox Annunciation Church, Pilgrims' Route, the House of Culture and Art, Alleys of the Old City, and the Basilica of the Annunciation. For a site that includes one pilgrim's insights on the import of the March 25th feast inspired simply from driving by the Annunciation basilica, click here.

Italy

LORETO

Consider a virtual pilgrimage to The Holy House of Loreto in Loreto Italy, also known as the Santa Casa di Loreto, long visited as an Annunciation pilgrimage site. According to tradition, the actual house in Nazareth where the Annunciation/Incarnation took place was moved to Loreto. A basilica was built at the site--Basilica of the Holy House (Basilica della Santa Casa)--click here for the official website. A pictorial tour of the Holy House can be found here. Click here for more information on pilgrimages to Loreto, including the "armchair" pilgrimage video that aired on EWTN hosted by Bob and Penny Lord available here. Other video pilgrimages available include two from EWTN's Religious Catalogue--"Loreto: The Mystery of the Holy House" (click here for info on this item # 20445) and also "Forgotten Heritage: Europe and Our Lady" (click here for item # HDFH2) which is a combined set that features Loreto among other important locations including the Annunciation-themed pilgrimage site of Walsingham in England. Videos such as these can be shown for church groups, family gatherings, and individuals if an actual pilgrimage isn't possible. You can also take virtual on-line tours and view website pictorials of Loreto.

Poland

For information on events click the following link and contact the organization. The bottom of their English translation page notes that in 1999 "The Polish Association for Human Life Protection was registered on the 25th March" -- 25 marzec.

Spain

For the most current info visit http://blog.sanandresarrixaca.es/ that includes an an entry on the day's significance as well as links to the materials below -- and also check the websites at and http://veladas25.org/ for and http://sialavida25m.org/ for more information.

United Kingdom

WALSINGHAM

Virtual Visit or Pilgrimage: Given the nearly one-thousand year history of Walsingham as an Annunciation pilgrimage center, consider honoring the day with a visit to one of its shrines--click here for more info on both the Anglican and Catholic shrines of "Walsingham--England's Nazareth". Consult the shrines’ events and calendar pages for current schedules. If an actual pilgrimage isn't possible, consider an armchair pilgrimage via virtual on-line tours and pictorials. In 2017 Catholic television network EWTN launched its first U.K. studio here -- located north of London at the Village of Walsingham in a three-story building named "Annunciation House," it includes a visitors' center and reception area -- click here for an article that notes the link between the Annunciation and EWTN via Walsingham (additional info on the studio can be found here). For general Walsingham info, click here for travel/tour information including a map. More info on visiting Walsingham including photos can be found here--(pause cursor over picture to get a caption). Click here for additional tour/pilgrimage information and then scroll down for a mini photo tour. An informative article on Walsingham ("Walsingham: England's Holiest Shrine" by John P. Seely) with pictures can be found here. EWTN Religious Catalogue (1-800-854-6316) offers a video pilgrimage that combines Walsingham with other significant locations including the Annunciation-themed site of Loreto--"Forgotten Heritage: Europe and Our Lady" (click here for the combined set item # HDFH2). Also available from EWTN on DVD is a beautiful historical and visual tour of "Walsingham: England's Nazareth" (alternately titled "Walsingham: England's National Shrine Of Our Lady" or simply "The Story of Walsingham") hosted by Joanna Bogle (click here for info): In this special Fr. Noel Wynn (director of the Catholic shrine) is interviewed at the Slipper Chapel. Asked by the host if Walsingham is indeed finding its place once again in the 21st century, he replies: "I think perhaps more so than ever. The message of Walsingham is the message of the Incarnation." Another distributor offers an equally lovely video that can serve as a virtual pilgrimage for church groups, family gatherings and individuals that includes more details on the history of Walsingham as dedicated to The Annunciation -- Part 3 of the 4 part series The White Dove of Peace (click here for availability) which aired on EWTN in 2008: Part 3 of the documentary begins with modern-day pilgrims gathered to pray the Angelus near Walsingham on the millennium Feast of the Incarnation, with the following voiceover: "March the 25th 2000, was the two-thousandth anniversary of the Incarnation--the miracle of God coming down from Heaven and making his home with human beings. The simple house at Nazareth and the room where Mary heard the angel's message and where her son was conceived, have long since vanished from Palestine, but in the Middle Ages a replica of it, which was built near here, brought innumerable pilgrims to this place to venerate Mary and to ponder the mystery of the Incarnation." Later on in the program the narration continues: "The message of Walsingham therefore--is the Annunciation"--"By divine providence, Walsingham was destined to become a reminder of Nazareth, in the heart of the English countryside. It is evidence that England had a unique part to play in the purposes of God." For a website featuring an article that addresses the pro-life import of the Annunciation and Walsingham ("The Virgin of Walsingham" by Father James T. Moore, Pastor, Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Church, & Past President, Texas Catholic Historical Society) click here. A book entitled "Walsingham: Pilgrims and Pilgrimage" by Michael Rear is published by St Paul Publishing, London 2011.

Tips on Transfer Years~How to Utilize the Interval Between the Traditional & Rescheduled Dates:

[Feel free to use the sample posting below in years when the Annunciation is transferred]

What To Do In "Transfer" Years When Annunciation Celebrations Are Moved? -- Treat The Interval As A Mini Season: When Holy Week conflicts result in Annunciation and Day of the Unborn Child events being transferred from the usual feast date of March 25th (nine months before Christmas) to another day in March or even early April, it is easy to view the rescheduling as an unfortunate compromise. Yes, it is easier to point out the feast as marking Christ's conception when it's a neat nine months before Christmas, but even if delayed till the second week of April it's still an approximate pregnancy-length interval, and the best thing we can do in such years is to use the time in a positive way that promotes the celebration of the feast. Treat the interval between the traditional and transferred date as a mini season -- a time to prepare. Christmas and Easter have long preparatory seasons of Advent and Lent for prayer and preparation, as well as multi-day activities associated with them. But Annunciation as a one-day event often catches us unaware with no cultural cues to help us prepare. We can use the interval between the traditional Annunciation date and its celebration date in "transfer" years as an extended time to prepare, pray, meditate, and have multi-day activities to maximize the impact of this central holy day. For example: Individuals might say an opening prayer of gratitude for the Incarnation on March 25th and use the days before a delayed celebration to pray and reflect on Christ's prenatal life from the moment of conception. Families can gather the materials to make Annunciation cards or cut-out-cookies on March 25, and use the days before the celebration to make, decorate, and send them. Churches, schools, and organizations can have multi-day drives to collect baby items, or fill baby bottles with spare change to donate to local pregnancy-centers -- initiatives that are more effective with a longer period to drop off items and have the added benefit of focusing attention on the feast. For example, prominently displaying a large decorated collection box throughout the interval with a large-print sign noting the drive's start/end dates and their significance gives people more opportunity to donate and to learn about the Annunciation. Perhaps the simplest way for churches to use the time is to publish daily reminders of Annunciation events and reflections in-print or on-line -- the church bulletin on or before March 25 can note the two days and ask parishioners to pray for a specific intention each day of the interval -- blogs and social media can reinforce the feast's Incarnational and pro-life import with a posting for each day. Whether we like the practice of transferring the Annunciation, or would prefer the Greek Orthodox approach of combined feast days that keep it on March 25, if we focus on the positive we'll see a wider window -- instead of having one day to raise awareness, you have several, and in some years as much as two weeks. Just use these preparatory days to pray, meditate, and educate.

[To return to home page click http://dayoftheunbornchild.com/ ]

{We pray there will be no further lockdowns or restrictions on worship, but in the event some areas are subjected to these measures, there are still many ways to celebrate the feast day}:

IN-PERSON CHURCH-BASED SUGGESTIONS FOR LOCALES STILL UNDER COVID19 RESTRICTIONS: For those areas still under social distancing guidelines one approach that may work for honoring the day is to have an extended-period prayer vigil in church -- whether it be twenty-four hours, twelve, six, or just three (with opening/closing prayers, and perhaps some formally led prayer in between) this allows people to come and go throughout the prayer vigil period for various parts of the program avoiding crowding at any one time. It is best to choose a time period that includes both daytime hours (when older drivers feel comfortable coming and going) and at least one evening hour for those who work until 5 pm. In addition to putting a notice in the bulletin, posting fliers, and having the pastor include it in the announcements after services, please make an effort to have a noticed published on a website -- not just a .pdf (these must be downloaded and are hard to search) but also on a standard webpage that can be viewed in a Web browser, for this will make it much easier for people using a search engine to find your event. In the web version of the notice remember to put the year and keywords for Feast of the Annunciation and Day of the Unborn Child and also mention the nearby towns and cities in order to attract people in other localities. For example, if the location of your event is Lockport, NY -- an ad might say: Looking for an Annunciation/Day of the Unborn Child event in the Buffalo - Niagara Falls area? ~ Join Us at…" Another helpful way to add these search-friendly keywords is to include brief driving directions to church/venue from various nearby cities and towns. Examples: Full Day Program (24 Hours): A 24-Hour Pro-Life Prayer Vigil may attract young people, but have the opening and closing at an hour when everyone can attend, 6 pm for example on March 24th and 25th. (A variation for Catholic and other churches that begin celebrating a holy day the evening before can have an opening Annunciation vigil mass and a closing Day of the Unborn Child the next day on March 25th, with hours for quiet prayer in between -- this may be more or less than 24 hours if using usual times for vigil and daily masses.) Short Program (3-Hours suggested minimum bridging afternoon & evening to include day and after-work hours): A Catholic church might start with the Mercy Chaplet at the traditional 3 pm hour, 4:30 Rosary, 6 pm closing pro-life prayers. Mid-Length program: (6 to 12 hours): A church with daily morning services at 8 am might go from 8 am to 8 pm for a 12 hour program to cover most of the day. If there is more than one daily mass, the program could link these together with formally led and silent prayer and/or adoration in between, with the later designated a Day of the Unborn Child offered for protection of human life. Or a six-hour option might begin with the brief but apropos Angelus prayer at the traditional time of 12 pm (or just before a noon Mass as it takes only 2 minutes prayed aloud), perhaps adding Exposition/Adoration beginning after Mass, Chaplet at 3:00, Rosary (Joyful mysteries beginning with Annunciation) at 5:30, and Benediction at 6:00 or a later hour.

[page updated 9/21/2023]