The collect for today, The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from The Book of Common Prayer (Canada, 1962):
WE beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts; that, as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought unto the glory of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-15
The Gospel: St. Luke 1:26-38
Artwork: The Annunciation, mid-18th century (?), Eglise Sainte-Anne, Ste-Anne-du Ruisseau, Nova Scotia. Photograph taken by admin, 26 August 2009.
Text posted at Eglise Sainte-Anne:
This painting was found in 1999 in a building adjacent to Ste-Anne church in Ste-Anne-du-Ruisseau. This work of art has not been attributed nor its period of execution determined but some evidence suggests that the painting is at least 250 years old. The painting’s origin and provenance are unknown but it may have entered the collection of the church through its founder Father Jean-Mandé Sigogne (1763-1844) who established the parish in 1799. The community was settled by Acadians returning from exile in 1767 and the painting may provide one of the only direct heritage links to the first church established by the founder of the parish. This heritage piece of art is very significant for this Acadian community in Nova Scotia. The restoration was completed in June 2004 by Michelle Gallinger, art conservator and restorer.
(This commemoration has been transferred from 25 March.)