The Visitation

The Visitation is the event in Luke 1:39–56 in which the Virgin Mary, shortly after the Annunciation, traveled to visit her cousin Elizabeth — who was pregnant with John the Baptist. At Mary's greeting, the infant John leapt in Elizabeth's womb, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and Mary proclaimed the Magnificat (CCC 717).

The Event

Gabriel had told Mary that her relative Elizabeth — "who was called barren" — was six months pregnant. Mary set out immediately to serve her. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, John the Baptist leapt in his mother's womb — his first prophetic recognition of the Messiah, while both were still unborn. Elizabeth exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:42–43).

The Magnificat

Mary responded with the Magnificat — her great hymn of praise: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior... He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty" (Luke 1:46–55). The Magnificat is prayed at Vespers (Evening Prayer) every day in the Liturgy of the Hours (CCC 722).

Ark Typology

The Catechism notes that the Visitation scene deliberately echoes 2 Samuel 6 — David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Elizabeth's question "Why is this granted to me?" parallels David's "How can the ark of the Lord come to me?" Mary is the new Ark of the Covenant, carrying the Lord himself (CCC 2676).

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Visitation celebrated? The Feast of the Visitation is celebrated on May 31. It is the second Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.