FEAST OF ST GABRIEL; 24th MARCH
FEAST OF ST GABRIEL 24th MARCH "The Annunciation," by Fra Angelico, (1437-46). Fra Angelico fasted and prayed for many days prior to undertaking a painting/fresco. Dom Prosper Gueranger speaks of St Gabriel: “Gabriel is one of the first of the angelic kingdom. He tells Zachary that he stands before the face of God (St Luke i.19). He is the angel of the incarnation, because it is in this mystery, which apparently is so humble, that the power of God is principally manifested: and Gabriel signifies the strength of God. We find the Archangel preparing for this sublime office, even in the Old Testament. First of all, he appeared to Daniel, after this prophet had had the vision of the Persian and Greek Empires: and such was the majesty of his person that Daniel fell on his face trembling. Shortly afterwards he appeared again to the same prophet, telling him the exact time of the coming of the Messias: ‘Know thou and take notice: that from the going forth of the word to build up ...