Pondering the Angelus with Art: A Holy Week Annunciation

Monday of Holy Week. Today's image presages the events we will commemorate in the Liturgy later this week. For not only does Gabriel genuflect before the Virgin as he delivers the divine message; not only does Mary listen calmly and receptively; not only does God the Father look benignly down from his supernatural dwelling: a tiny, naked boy-child is running toward Mary from the heavenly realm, already carrying a cross.

The painting is by Giovanni Santi, a noted 15th century Italian artist in his own right,  but eclipsed in fame by his son, Raphael. The work is kept in Raphael's hometown of Urbino.

The Annunciation, by Giovanni Santi (1490)

Thursday noon will be the last time we traditionally pray the Angelus until Ordinary Time resumes. After the Easter Vigil Mass (Saturday evening), we burst into the "Regina Coeli" (Queen of Heaven, rejoice!), which takes the place of the Angelus throughout Easter.