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Preparatory Prayer  (p. 95).

he angel  explains  to  Mary  how,  without  detriment to  her  virginity,  she  will  become  a mother. He says,  "The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come upon  thee,  and  the  power  of  the  Most  High  shall overshadow  thee.  And  therefore  also  the  Holy which  shall  be  born  of  thee  shall  be  called  the  Son of  God"  (Luke  i.  35). St. Bernard  remarks: "Let him  who  can,  comprehend  it.  Who,  but  that most  happy  Virgin  who  was  worthy  to  experience the  influence  and  effect  of  the  power  of  the  Most High  and  to  penetrate  this  sublime  mystery,  can understand  how  the  divine  Light  was  poured  into the  Virgin's  womb?  The  Most  Holy  Trinity alone  co-operated  in  the  sacred  act,  and  it  remains an  impenetrable  mystery  to  all,  except  to  her  who was  called  to  so  sublime  a  destiny."

ary did  not  entertain  a  single  doubt  concerning the  wonders  which  the  angel  announced to her  about  the  coming  Messias  and  His  kingdom. She believed  with  simple  faith  the  words of the  heavenly  messenger. Only about  that which concerned  her  personally  she  asked  a  ques-