V.   Sacraments

Annunciation is the first of the twelve (12) Apostolic Life Sacraments also known as “The Twelve”, “The Twelve Apostles” and “The Means”. Annunciation is granted and conferred exclusively to an expectant mother and their living unborn child according to these canons and associated approved liturgy upon evidence of pregnancy from the 50th day to before birth.

The purpose of the sacrament of Annunciation is the recognition of the ancient tradition of celebrating the announcement of pregnancy and prayers for the safe passage of the baby to full term and the formal bestowal of consecration and protection of the unborn child. The meaning of Annunciation is derived from two Latin words “an” meaning“ certain” and “nuntio” meaning “report, tell”.

The sacrament of Annunciation comprises the completion of three separate and deliberate Acts in order: Act One being the Act of Conception, Act Two being the Act of Inception and Act Three being the Act of Perfection.

Upon the estimated fiftieth day of pregnancy and before the one hundredth day, the expectant mother, or nominated guardian shall appoint a Herald by extraordinary condition to formally make known the news of the pregnancy to friends, family and the community. The promulgation of the news represents the Heraldic Prayer which represents the moment of conferral of the sacrament and the appointment of a Divine Guardian Angel to watch over the unborn child and the safety of the mother until birth.

Should no Herald be appointed by the mother or nominated guardian and the Heraldic Prayer not be instanced, then by ordinary condition a Divine Guardian Angel shall be automatically appointed by the powers of Heaven to watch over her unborn child and her safety not later than one hundred and fifty days since the beginning of the pregnancy.

In the instance that the embryo and then fetus were not successfully delivered to full term, the sacrament of Natal may be conferred upon all who have received the sacrament of Annunciation.