Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today we celebrate the visitation of The Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth's home and the spiritual relationship between John the Baptist and the Christ. The Angel Gabriel, in the mystery of the Annunciation, informed the Mother of God that her cousin Elizabeth had also miraculously conceived, although quite advanced in age. Gabriel announced to Mary that Elizabeth's son would be the forerunner of her son, the Messiah. Out of utter humility and desire not to draw attention from Elizabeth's miracle, Mother Mary kept her own pregnancy hidden from her. She chose to visit her, however, and share her holy joy and gratitude for Elizabeth's news. “Mary therefore arose,” said St. Luke, “and with haste went into the hilly country into a city of Judea, and entering into the house of Zachary, saluted Elizabeth.”
From the vision of Anne Catherine Emmerich:
"Elizabeth was advanced in years. She was tall, her face small and delicate, and she wore something wrapped around her head. She was acquainted with Mary only by hearsay. As soon as the Blessed Virgin saw Elizabeth, she knew her and hurried on to meet her, while Joseph purposely held back. Mary had already reached the houses in the neighborhood of Zachary’s home. Their occupants were enraptured at her beauty, and filled with such reverence by her demeanor that they stood back modestly. When the cousins met, they saluted each other joyfully with outstretched hands. I saw a light in Mary and issuing from her a ray which entered into Elizabeth, who thereby became wonderfully agitated. They did not pause long in sight of the beholders, but arm in arm passed up the courtyard to the door of the house, where Elizabeth once more bade Mary welcome. Joseph went around to the side of the house and into an open hall where sat Zachary. He respectfully saluted the aged priest, who responded in writing on his tablet. Mary and Elizabeth entered the room in which was the fireplace. Here they embraced, clasping each other in their arms and pressing cheek to cheek. I saw light streaming down between them. Then it was that Elizabeth, becoming interiorly inflamed, stepped back with uplifted hands, and exclaimed, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb.
“And whence is this to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? “For behold, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. “And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.” Today is a day of sacrificial love, made alive in the material and spiritual worlds and spoken of in Luke 1:41-43.