Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary commemorates the journey Mary made to visit her cousin Elizabeth shortly after the Annunciation. Carrying Jesus in her womb, Mary traveled about ninety miles from Nazareth to the hill country of Judah to serve Elizabeth, who was also miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist. Upon Mary’s arrival, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognized the presence of the Lord and exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42). Mary responded with the Magnificat, a hymn of praise to God’s mercy and power. This meeting between Mary and Elizabeth is a profound moment of faith, joy, and mutual support. The Visitation reminds us of the importance of service, humility, and recognizing Christ’s presence in our daily lives.

Practical Lessons:

1. Reach Out to Support Others: Mary traveled a long and difficult journey to help Elizabeth. In daily life, this could mean checking on a friend going through a hard time, offering a ride to someone in need, or simply calling a family member to offer encouragement.
2. Recognize Christ in Everyday Moments: Elizabeth recognized Christ’s presence when Mary arrived. Practice seeing God’s hand in small, daily encounters—whether in a coworker’s kindness, a child’s laughter, or a moment of peace in a busy day.
3. Celebrate Others’ Blessings: Mary and Elizabeth rejoiced together. Instead of feeling envious, sincerely celebrate the successes, pregnancies, marriages, or good news of others, offering prayers of thanksgiving and encouragement.

Prayer:

Blessed Virgin Mary, who carried the Savior with love and hastened to serve Elizabeth with humility, intercede for us. Teach us to reach out with kindness to those in need, to recognize Christ’s presence in our lives, and to rejoice in the blessings given to others. May we, like you, magnify the Lord through our words and deeds. Amen.

Quote:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” — The Blessed Virgin Mary (Luke 1:46-47)

Other Saints We Remember Today

• Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• St. Petronilla (1st Century), Virgin

Image by Dorothée QUENNESSON from Pixabay