FEAST OF THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MAY 31, 2024

BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

Lk 1:39-56

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” And Mary said: “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.” Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. 

REFLECTION

"When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb"

Originally the feast of the visitation was celebrated in July. It originated in the 13th century, transferred to its current date in 1969 after the feast of the Queenship of Mary, previously celebrated on May 31 was moved to August 22 to follow the feast of the Assumption. It marks Luke's Gospel account of Mary's visit by the Angel Gabriel and her consent to bear the son of God. Upon hearing that her cousin, Elizabeth, was with child, Mary went to Elizabeth's home in Ein Karem, about 80 miles from Nazareth to help her.

The meeting of these two women was a joyful and unique event. Both found themselves pregnant in unusual circumstances ­– Elizabeth in her old age after suffering from infertility, and Mary by the Holy Spirit.

The Catholic Church has set aside the entire month of May to honor Mary, the Mother of God. Today's feast is a day to recognize Mary’s humility and willingness to be used by God.

With beautiful spring weather, blooming flowers and life abounding, it is very fitting to have feasts of Mary in the month of May.

Mary, the protector of life, please pray for us.

God Bless You.