Resources
The Visitation
Scripture
"During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, 'Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.'"
Luke 1:39-45
The Magnificat
"And Mary said: 'My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.'"
Luke 1:46-55
Meditation
After the Annunciation, Mary sets out in haste to visit her relative Elizabeth, who is also experiencing a miraculous pregnancy in her old age. This journey of approximately 90 miles through difficult terrain demonstrates Mary's faith, courage, and charity. Rather than focusing on her own remarkable situation, Mary reaches out in love to serve her elderly cousin.
The meeting of these two women is far more than a family reunion. It is a profound encounter where the divine plan of salvation unfolds through ordinary human relationships. John the Baptist, still in Elizabeth's womb, leaps for joy in the presence of the unborn Savior. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, becomes the first to proclaim Mary as "Mother of my Lord, recognizing the divine presence Mary carries within her.
In response to Elizabeth's greeting, Mary breaks forth in the Magnificat, her canticle of praise and prophecy. This prayer reveals Mary's deep understanding of God's work in salvation history—how He exalts the humble, fills the hungry, and remembers His promises. The Visitation thus becomes a celebration of God's faithfulness and the joy that comes from recognizing His presence and action in our lives.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond to God's call to serve others, especially when it requires personal sacrifice?
- In what ways do I bring Christ to others through my words and actions?
- How do I receive and recognize Christ when He comes to me through others?
- What causes my soul to "leap for joy" in recognition of God's presence?
- Do I, like Mary, see God's action in my life as part of His larger plan of salvation?
Fruit of the Mystery
The spiritual fruits of this mystery are:
- Love of Neighbor - Genuine concern for others' well-being
- Charity - Selfless service to those in need
- Joy in the Lord's Presence - Recognizing and rejoicing in God's work
Prayer
Blessed Virgin Mary, you who carried the Son of God in your womb and hastened to share the good news with Elizabeth, teach me to recognize the presence of Jesus in my life and to bring Him to others through acts of loving service. Help me to respond with generosity when others need my help, even when it requires sacrifice or inconvenience. May my encounters with others be occasions of grace where Christ is recognized and celebrated, just as John leaped for joy in Elizabeth's womb. Inspire me to join my voice with yours in the Magnificat, praising God for His mighty works and trusting in His plan. Like you, may I be a bearer of Christ to the world, bringing His love, joy, and peace to all I meet. Amen.
Art and Tradition
The Visitation has been a beloved subject in Christian art since the early centuries. Medieval and Renaissance artists often depicted the two women embracing, with their unborn children sometimes visible within them as small figures, symbolizing their divine identities. The setting typically shows the moment of their meeting outside Zechariah's house, with Elizabeth sometimes kneeling to honor Mary and the child she carries.
The Church celebrates the Feast of the Visitation on May 31, moved in 1969 from July 2 to place it between the Annunciation (March 25) and the birth of John the Baptist (June 24), reflecting the chronology in Luke's Gospel. This feast has inspired numerous traditions, including special prayers, processions, and charitable outreach to pregnant women and mothers in need—a living expression of the love and service Mary demonstrated.
The Magnificat, Mary's canticle of praise, has become one of the most beloved prayers in Christian tradition. It is recited daily in the Church's evening prayer (Vespers) and has inspired countless musical settings, from Gregorian chant to modern compositions.