Holy_Mass

 

Every 25 March, on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, the Institute of the Incarnate Word (IVE) celebrates the anniversary of its foundation, glorifying the Lord for the salvific event which took place in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Happily, this Solemnity also coincides with the national holiday of the Greek people, who commemorate the beginning of their struggle for independence in 1821.

The IVE’s religious community in Kifissia was honoured by the visit of the Archbishop of Athens, Msgr. Sebastianos Rossolatos. He presided over the First Vespers and the Mass of this Solemnity at St. Paul the Apostle Church, which has been under the pastoral care of the Institute since 2008. The Mass was co-celebrated by the Jesuit Fathers and other diocesan priests. The celebration was also attended by other religious Congregations present in Athens (Sisters of the Holy Cross and Sisters of Pammakaristos), young members of ‘Heart’s Home’, parishioners and numerous guests.

During his homily, Msgr. Sebastianos referred to the profound significance of the Incarnation’s mystery in the life of every Christian, emphasizing as a model to follow the docility of Mary to the will of the Eternal Father and to the Holy Spirit.

Before the final blessing, Fr. Fernando Bravo IVE, Superior of the religious community, presented the Archbishop with the gift of a painting of the Annunciation with the “Angelus” prayer, thanking him for his presence and his support of IVE’s pastoral mission within Greece. After the religious ceremony, all those present partook of a light meal and a moment of Christian brotherhood.

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english, The IVE