The Transformative Power of The Visitation

30 May, 2025: On 31 May each year, Catholics around the world commemorate the Feast of the Visitation, recalling how the Blessed Virgin Mary “arose and went with haste” from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea to visit her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:39). Instituted in 1389 by Pope Urban VI, this liturgical celebration marks the first recognition of Christ by the unborn John the Baptist and foreshadows Mary’s lifelong mission of service and intercession.

1. A Model of Selfless Service

Mary’s journey exemplifies Christ’s teaching that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Despite her own extraordinary circumstances, she prioritises Elizabeth’s well-being, embodying St. James’s warning that “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). As Pope Benedict XVI observed, Mary “does not think of herself but of the other,” demonstrating how divine grace drives believers towards charitable service rather than self-absorption.

2. First Proclamation of the Messiah

Upon Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth is “filled with the Holy Spirit,” and the unborn John “leapt” in her womb (Luke 1:41–44). This moment constitutes the first earthly recognition of Christ’s presence, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that one would “prepare the way of the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3). Church Fathers such as St Augustine and St. Jerome extolled this encounter as the inauguration of John’s prophetic mission and the beginning of the Gospel’s unfolding.

3. Mary as Mediatrix of Grace

The Visitation highlights Mary’s role as bearer and channel of divine blessing. By bringing Christ to Elizabeth, she becomes the first instrument of sanctification outside Nazareth. Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium describes Mary as “she who by her intercession brought about the beginning of miracles,” prefiguring her ongoing advocacy on behalf of humanity (John 14:18). Through her example, the Church recognises how one disciple can transmit God’s life to others.

4. The Magnificat: Song of Prophetic Hope

In response to Elizabeth’s praise, Mary proclaims the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55), a canticle that echoes Old Testament voices such as Hannah (1 Samuel 2) and announces God’s preferential love for the lowly: “He has lifted up the humble” (Luke 1:52). Pope Francis has called this song “a manifesto of divine justice,” underlining how the Gospel’s revolutionary message challenges social hierarchies and invites believers to work for the common good.

5. Mutual Encouragement and Christian Fellowship

For three months, Mary and Elizabeth shared companionship and prayer, modelling the exhortation of Hebrews to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). Their visit encourages modern Christians to build communities of support where faith is strengthened through shared witness, fulfilling Paul’s charge to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

6. Urgency of Evangelisation

Mary’s haste teaches today’s Church the imperative to proclaim the Gospel without delay. St. Bonaventure noted that, having “carried within her the Word made flesh,” Mary could not remain silent but was driven to share the Good News. This sense of mission echoes Christ’s Great Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

7. Divine Providence and Sacred Timing

The precise timing of Mary’s arrival underscores God’s providential care. St. Thomas Aquinas reflected that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28), arranging encounters that bear eternal fruit. The Visitation invites the faithful to trust that God orchestrates every moment for our ultimate good.

8. Cultivating Spiritual Sensitivity and Joy

Elizabeth’s exclamation—“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42)—and John’s joyous leap reveal how recognising Christ’s presence fills the soul with “fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11). St John Paul II taught that such joy is the “infallible sign of God’s presence,” calling believers to cultivate spiritual attentiveness in everyday life.

Questions for Reflection

How does Mary’s example of “going with haste” challenge your own willingness to respond to opportunities for service?

In what ways can you bring Christ’s presence to those experiencing significant life transitions?

How does the Magnificat’s vision of God’s justice influence your understanding of Christian witness in society?

By Fr. Valerian Lobo