The Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on 31 May in the Catholic Church. This event, recounted in the Gospel according to Saint Luke (Lk 1:39–56), is one of the most beautiful episodes in the life of Mary. It shows us the Mother of God humbly placing herself at the service of her cousin Elizabeth, just a few days after receiving the announcement from the Angel Gabriel.
The Visitation is much more than a simple family visit. It is a grace-filled encounter, a moment when God acts through two women chosen to be part of His plan of salvation. This scene also inspired the famous hymn of the Magnificat, one of the most beautiful prayers in the entire Bible.
The context of the Visitation
To fully understand the Visitation, we must return to the Annunciation.
The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary in the small town of Nazareth and announces that she has been chosen to become the mother of the Saviour. Despite her astonishment, Mary responds with complete trust:
“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word. ”
During this encounter, the angel also reveals to her that her cousin Elizabeth, though elderly and considered barren, is also expecting a child.
This child will be John the Baptist, the one who will prepare the way for the Lord.
As soon as she hears this news, Mary does not think of herself. She quickly leaves Nazareth to join her cousin in the mountains of Judea.
Mary’s journey
At that time, the journey from Nazareth to the region of Hebron was over a hundred kilometres.
This journey could take several days and involved many dangers.
Yet Mary set out without hesitation.
Her journey was in itself a testimony of faith and charity.
She carried Jesus, the Son of God, within her, but she did not keep this treasure to herself. She sets out to share the joy she has received and to offer her help to Elizabeth.
In this act, Mary becomes the model for all Christians called to bring Christ to others.
The meeting between Mary and Elizabeth
When Mary arrives at her cousin’s house and greets her, an extraordinary event takes place.
The Gospel tells us that the child Elizabeth is carrying in her womb leaps for joy.
John the Baptist already recognises the presence of the Messiah.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth exclaims:
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. ”
These words have become an essential part of the Hail Mary prayer.
Elizabeth continues:
“How is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ”
Through this declaration inspired by the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth already recognises Mary’s divine motherhood.
John the Baptist recognises Jesus before his birth
The Visitation is also the first meeting between Jesus and John the Baptist.
Both are still in their mothers’ wombs.
Yet John the Baptist is already responding to the presence of the Saviour.
The Church sees in this stirring a first mission of the Forerunner.
Even before his birth, John reveals Jesus to the world.
This episode highlights the dignity and value of every human life from its very first moments.
The Magnificat: Mary’s song
After Elizabeth’s words, Mary responds with a magnificent hymn of praise:
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. ”
This song is known as the Magnificat.
It expresses Mary’s profound gratitude to God.
She acknowledges that everything comes from the Lord and that His mercy extends from generation to generation to those who fear Him.
The Magnificat is at once a prayer of thanksgiving, a song of hope and a proclamation of God’s faithfulness to His promises.
For over two thousand years, it has been recited daily in the Church’s prayer.
Mary, a model of charity
The Visitation shows us a Mary who is active and attentive to the needs of others.
She could have stayed at home to reflect on the extraordinary events she had just experienced.
Instead, she set out immediately to help her cousin.
Tradition teaches us that she stayed with Elizabeth for about three months.
She probably remained with her until the birth of John the Baptist.
This discreet presence reveals to us true Christian love.
Charity does not consist merely in feeling good intentions. It is expressed through concrete acts of service, listening and care.
The first missionary in history
Many saints have seen the Visitation as Mary’s first missionary act.
By carrying Jesus in her womb to Elizabeth’s house, she became the first evangeliser.
Wherever Mary goes, Jesus is present.
Wherever Jesus is present, joy, peace and grace spread.
This mission continues to this day.
Mary still leads believers to her Son and helps them to welcome His love.
The spiritual teachings of the Visitation
The Visitation offers us several valuable lessons.
Firstly, it teaches us openness to God’s will.
Mary does not keep the gifts she has received for herself. She immediately puts them at the service of others.
It also teaches us humility.
Although she has become the Mother of the Saviour, she seeks no honour. She simply presents herself as a servant.
The Visitation also reminds us of the importance of Christian joy.
When Jesus is welcomed into a life, true joy appears.
Finally, she invites us to recognise God’s presence in the simple encounters of our daily lives.
The Feast of the Visitation in the Church
The Feast of the Visitation was gradually introduced into the Western liturgy from the Middle Ages onwards.
Today, it is celebrated on 31 May, just before the start of June, which is traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
This date symbolically marks the transition from the month of Mary to the month of the Sacred Heart.
It reminds us that Mary always leads the faithful to the Heart of her Son.
The Visitation of the Virgin Mary is an event filled with light, joy and hope. It reveals a Mary who is deeply united with God, attentive to others and entirely open to His will.
Through this encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, the Gospel shows us that the presence of Christ transforms hearts, brings peace and gives rise to true joy.
Even today, the Visitation invites us to become, following Mary’s example, bearers of Christ in our families, our work and all our encounters.
May the Virgin Mary teach us to serve with humility, to love with generosity and to proclaim with her:
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.”
