Saint of the Day for May 31: Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

By Cristiano Antonino On May 31, 2023

The Story of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: this is a fairly late feast, going back only to the 13th or 14th century. It was established widely throughout the Church to pray for unity

The present date of celebration was set in 1969, in order to follow the Annunciation of the Lord and precede the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist.

The more visible actors in the visitation drama (see Luke 1:39-45) are Mary and Elizabeth.

However, Jesus and John the Baptist steal the scene in a hidden way.

Jesus makes John leap with joy—the joy of messianic salvation.

Elizabeth, in turn, is filled with the Holy Spirit and addresses words of praise to Mary—words that echo down through the ages.

It is helpful to recall that we do not have a journalist’s account of this meeting.

Rather Luke, speaking for the Church, gives a prayerful poet’s rendition of the scene.

As with all authentic devotion to Mary, Elizabeth’s (the Church’s) words first praise God for what God has done to Mary.

Only secondly does she praise Mary for trusting God’s words.

Then comes the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).

Here, Mary herself—like the Church—traces all her greatness to God.

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