Holy Mary, through your fiat -- your "yes" to God's call, to the unknown, mysterious and incomprehensible -- the Word became flesh. Our Saviour dwelt within your body, holy mother of God. You birthed him, you presented him to a waiting world, and you nurtured him and strengthened him throughout his life.

May your example of fidelity and receptivity to God's call inspire us to open ourselves to the fullness of God's grace. May we realize ever more deeply how we are called to birth Jesus throughout the earth in our time. May Emmanuel, God-with-us, fill us with radiant joy and inspire us to present Jesus to a waiting world, as well as to be receptive to God's presence birthed in and through others.