The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, May 31st, the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, Florida annually renew their vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. This renewal is usually done during a Mass or Evening Prayer. The Visitation recalls how the Blessed Virgin Mary goes to visit her older cousin Elizabeth, who is six months pregnant with John the Baptist. Scripture says Mary stayed with Elizabeth three months and then returned home. This occurs right after Mary receives the angel Gabriel’s news at the Annunciation that she is to become the mother of the Savior.

Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Motherhouse chapel. 

This feast day shows the care and concern Mary had for her older cousin Elizabeth. The beautiful Magnificat prayer of Mary, sometimes called the Canticle of Mary, is part of Luke’s narrative of the Visitation, where Mary shares her joy with her cousin. As Sisters of St. Joseph we pray the Magnificat at Evening Prayer as a community: "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.” (Luke 1:46-50)

Crucifix in Motherhouse chapel. 

Like Mary, may we all be Christ bearers of joy of the Good News of salvation to our Dear Neighbors. When was the last time you visited one of your older relatives who might need some assistance or just the gift of your caring presence?