The famous scene of the Archangel Gabriel appearing to Our Lady illustrates what was an hour of grace for humanity. Heaven, which the guilt of Adam had closed to mankind, opened up and from it came down a spirit of light and purity, with himself bearing a message of reconciliation and peace.
The Annunciation by Bl. Fra Angelico at the Convento di San Marco, Florence
This message was directed to the most beautiful, the most noble, the most innocent and benign creature born of the lineage of Adam. Upon encountering one another, these two Persons began their dialogue.
The nobility proper to angelic nature, its light and entirely spiritual fortitude, its intelligence and purity, ultimately, everything is admirably reflected in the highly expressive figure of St. Gabriel.
Detail of the painting by Blessed Fra Angelico of the Archangel Gabriel.
Our Lady is less ethereal, less light, we would almost say less impalpable. And with reason, for she is a human creature.
Yet, something angelic is noted in the composure of the Queen of Angels, and her physiognomy exceeds that of the celestial emissary himself in spirituality, nobility, and innocence.
Though invisible, God yet manifests His presence in the supernatural light that seems to radiate from both personalities and to communicate the splendor of a pure, tranquil, and virginal joy to all of nature. One can almost feel the most suave temperature, the light and aromatic breeze, the joy that gently moves all of nature.
