The Visitation

May 31:  Feast of the Visitation

This is a fairly late feast, going back only to the 13th or 14th century. It was established widely throughout the Church to pray for unity. The present date of celebration was set in 1969 in order to follow the Annunciation of the Lord (March 25) and precede the Nativity of John the Baptist (June 24).

Elizabeth says to Mary:

            Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

            From the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.

Mary says to Elizabeth:

            My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord! (the Magnificat)

            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.

Mary remained with Elizabeth bout three months and then returned to her home.  (They did a lot of shopping for baby clothes.)

Joyful Mysteries

The Annunciation of the Lord to Mary by the Angel Gabriel

The Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth (who carries St. John the Baptist in her womb)

The Nativity of the Lord

The Presentation of our Lord in the Temple 8 Days after His Birth

The Finding of Our Lord in the Temple by His Parents

Why Evangelize?   We evangelize because of love for others. As we have experienced Jesus's love, we want to share it. The gifts we have received from God are not gifts for us alone, but build in us a desire to bring all people to the Good News.