Annunciation 2013
This stunning stained glass window is in Klarysew parish church, near Warsaw in Poland. It represents the announcement by the Angel Gabriel to a young girl called Mary that she would become the mother of Jesus. This story is told in Luke 1: 26 - 38. What used to be called 'Lady Day' is normally 25 March. This year that date was in Holy Week so the celebration of 'The Annunciation of our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary' is transferred to today 8 April. In the stained glass window, I love the way that Mary is bathed in light yet at the same time looks ordinary. I'm not sure if the expression on her face is meant to be one of awe or fear, confusion or shock. I'm sure Mary probably felt all of those things. She did say 'yes' but not before asking 'how can this be?' Mary was probably only about 13-15 years old, but already engaged to be married to the carpenter Joseph. What went through her head as her expectations turned upside-down? "P...
