Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Luke 1:39-56
Walk with Mary and Elizabeth

Today, as we celebrate the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we are invited into a moment of deep humanity and divine grace. Mary, carrying the Son of God in her womb, sets out in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth. It is a journey of faith, love, and mutual support — and in it, we see how God walks with us through the companionship of others.

Often, we reflect on how Mary went to help Elizabeth in her old age. But today, let us also remember: Mary herself was in need. Young, recently pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit, surrounded by confusion and possible shame, she too was searching for understanding — and for a place where she would be welcomed and believed.

Where does she go? To Elizabeth, the only person who might truly understand the mystery she is living, because she too carries a miracle in her womb. And what happens when they meet? The Holy Spirit fills the house. Joy erupts. Elizabeth speaks words of blessing, not suspicion. She sees Mary not with human eyes, but with the eyes of faith: “Blessed are you among women… how is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

This is the power of spirit-filled community. Elizabeth doesn’t judge — she encourages. She doesn’t question — she confirms. How different our world would be if more hearts were like Elizabeth’s: open to welcome, quick to affirm, ready to see the work of God in others, especially in the distressed.

Let us pray today for the grace to be like Mary in her courage, and like Elizabeth in her compassion. Claretians – the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary observe this day as a day of prayer for vocations. Please keep your missionaries in your prayers, especially let us keep in prayer Deacon Ian Dacayanan, as he is ordained to the priesthood — may he, like Mary and Elizabeth, carry Christ with joy to a waiting world.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with love.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025