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The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Friday May 31, 2024

The feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary commemorates when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. John was aware of the presence of the Lord and leapt in Elizabeth's womb. The readings of the day (see below) reflect and recount this narrative.

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is observed on May 31.

Daily Mass Readings for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

  • First Reading - Zephaniah 3:14-18a: Rejoice and sing with all your heart, for the Lord has removed your judgment, turned away your enemies, and is present among you as a mighty savior who rejoices and loves you, bringing you renewal and celebration.
  • Alternate First Reading - Romans 12:9-16: Love sincerely, reject evil, honor others, serve the Lord, persevere in prayer, support fellow believers, bless persecutors, empathize, be humble.
  • Responsorial Psalm - Isaiah 12: Rejoice in the Lord, for He is our Savior and the source of strength and courage; let us give thanks, proclaim His greatness, and celebrate His presence among us.
  • Gospel - Luke 1:39-56: Mary embarked on a journey to the hill country, greeted Elizabeth, and stayed with her for three months before returning home, while Elizabeth exclaimed that Mary was blessed among women and her unborn child leaped in joy upon hearing Mary's greeting.

Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

  • Joy and Salvation: The readings highlight the theme of joy, emphasizing the joyful response to God's presence and the fulfillment of His promises. They also speak of God's saving power and His faithfulness to His people, offering hope and deliverance.
  • Magnificat: The Gospel reading features the Magnificat, Mary's beautiful song of praise, expressing humility and gratitude for being chosen to bear the Savior. Mary's humble response to God's call reminds us of the importance of humility in our relationship with God and others. Mary's Magnificat proclaims God's greatness, His mercy, and His care for the lowly, inspiring us to also proclaim and magnify His name.
  • Faithfulness: The readings illustrate the faithfulness of God towards His people and highlight the importance of our own faithfulness in following His will. The passages invite us to trust in God's promises, as seen in Mary's response and Elizabeth's affirmation, demonstrating the faith that leads to fulfillment.
  • Visitation: The Gospel passage specifically narrates the visit of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, symbolizing the mutual support and encouragement among believers. Mary's visit to Elizabeth signifies the divine favor bestowed upon her and underscores the importance of recognizing God's favor in our own lives.

Thoughts for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary


Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we reflect on the beautiful encounter between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, as described in the Gospel of Luke 1:39-56. This passage invites us to contemplate the profound significance of this meeting and draws our attention to the virtues of humility, faith, and joy that Mary exemplifies for all of us.

When Mary received the angel Gabriel's message that she would conceive the Son of God, she humbly accepted her role in God's plan. Filled with the Holy Spirit, she embarked on a journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was also with child. Mary's visitation reminds us of the importance of reaching out to others, especially in times of need. It demonstrates the power of genuine love and solidarity, as Mary selflessly went to assist Elizabeth during her own miraculous pregnancy.

Upon Mary's arrival, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized the profound significance of Mary's presence. In a beautiful outpouring of praise, Elizabeth exclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" Elizabeth's words echo through the centuries, affirming the unique and blessed role that Mary would play in salvation history.

In response to Elizabeth's greeting, Mary offers her profound hymn of praise, known as the Magnificat. This prayer encapsulates Mary's deep faith and trust in God's providence. Mary's soul magnifies the Lord, and she rejoices in God her Savior. Her words proclaim the great things that the Almighty has done for her and for all generations. Mary's faith teaches us to trust in God's promises and to give glory to Him in all circumstances.

The encounter between Mary and Elizabeth is a celebration of the joy that springs from a life of faith and surrender to God's will. Both women exude a contagious joy that arises from their encounter with the divine. Elizabeth's baby, John the Baptist, leaps in her womb at the sound of Mary's voice, recognizing the presence of the unborn Christ. This moment serves as a reminder that true joy comes from embracing the presence of Jesus in our lives, allowing Him to transform us from within.

As we reflect on the Feast of the Visitation, we are called to imitate the virtues displayed by Mary and Elizabeth. We are invited to approach others with humility, compassion, and a readiness to serve. We are encouraged to deepen our faith, to trust in God's plan for our lives, and to surrender ourselves to His will. And we are reminded that true joy is found in encountering Christ and sharing His love with those around us.

Prayer for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Heavenly Father, grant us the humility and faith of Mary, that we may joyfully serve and bring your love to others, just as she did during her visitation to Elizabeth. May our lives reflect the joy and hope found in encountering Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Homilies and Reflections for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Word on Fire: The Thrill of Finding Our Role

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, highlighting Mary's sense of purpose in visiting Elizabeth. He contrasts the ego-drama of self-determination in our culture with the theo-drama of God's story, emphasizing the significance of discovering our role in it.

USCCB Reflection: Faith and Joy

This video reflection from USCCB for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the faith and joy of Mary and Elizabeth as they praise God and share His love. It encourages us to respond generously to God's word and spread His good news to others.

Quote and Social Media Graphic for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
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
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.”

Frequently Asked Questions for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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