Each year on May 31, the Church joyfully celebrates the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary—a moment rooted in the Gospel of Luke, where Mary, newly aware of the life growing within her, sets out to visit her elderly cousin Elizabeth, who is also miraculously with child. What unfolds is a moment of grace and joy that continues to inspire the faithful today.
The Visitation reveals the beauty of faith in action: Mary responds to God’s call not only with trust, but with love and service. Her journey is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit, moving hearts to charity, connection, and praise. In Mary’s embrace of Elizabeth, we see a model of how faith naturally overflows into joyful witness.
A Journey of Love and Faith
The Visitation is recounted in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:39–56). After the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel announces that she will bear the Son of God, Mary—full of faith and humility—travels to the hill country of Judea to assist Elizabeth. This journey highlights Mary’s willingness to respond to the needs of others, even in the midst of her own miraculous experience.
Upon Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, and her unborn child, John the Baptist, leaps in her womb. Elizabeth, recognizing the presence of Christ, exclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42). This encounter is not only a meeting of two expectant mothers but a revelation of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, even before His birth.
Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant
Mary’s journey to Elizabeth symbolizes more than a familial visit; it is a profound theological act. Bearing Christ within her, Mary becomes the Ark of the New Covenant—carrying the presence of God into the world. Just as the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament symbolized God’s presence among His people, Mary’s visit brings Christ to Elizabeth and her household, filling them with the Holy Spirit and overwhelming joy.
The Church views Mary’s Visitation as a model for evangelization—bringing Christ to others through acts of love and service. In this light, her journey is a mission of charity, embodying the Church's call to bring the presence of Christ to those in need.
A Song of Praise and Hope
The Gospel of Luke records Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting with a beautiful hymn of praise known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55). In it, Mary glorifies God for His mercy, faithfulness, and preference for the humble. Her song reflects profound theological truths, recognizing God's justice and mercy throughout history. It remains a prayer of hope and trust for believers, echoing through centuries in liturgical celebrations and personal devotion.
Pondering with Mary
As a Marian feast, the Visitation is a perfect occasion for deeper devotion to Our Lady. Many faithful mark the celebration with the recitation of the Rosary, reflecting on the mysteries of Christ’s life in the company of His Blessed Mother. The Visitation is the second Joyful Mystery, inviting contemplation on Mary’s charity and Elizabeth’s faith.
Following Mary’s Example of Love and Service
Mary’s willingness to journey to Elizabeth in her time of need encourages us to reach out in love and compassion to those around us. Mary exemplifies what it means to bring Christ to others—not just through words, but through genuine acts of kindness and selflessness.
We too can serve those in need, to bring comfort, and to share the joy of Christ’s presence. The Visitation is a reminder that true faith is always accompanied by action—that we live a faith that reaches out, supports, and uplifts.
The Magnificat
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children forever.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.
Amen.
