The Visitation

Today we finish the month of May with yet another Marian feast – the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. Besides the birth of Jesus, this must have been one of the happiest days in Mary’s life. This photo shows the exuberance of the encounter, not the solemn moment that most painters portray. This is a scene from the movie of 20016 ‘The Nativity Story.’ This was also the first encounter between Jesus and John the Baptist, both of whom were unborn at that moment. However they stirred in the mother's wombs as they felt the presence of each other so close. This celebration also reminds us to be hospitable and welcoming to those who visit us. The spirit of hospitality is very important in many cultures, as it is in Malta and the USA. People offer food or a drink or some coffee and cake to whoever is visiting on any day. We expect that from the friends we visit, but we should likewise do the same to friends and family who visit us. The interaction between Mary and Elizabeth produced also the prayer of the Hail Mary, while Mary recited the Magnificat, which all priests pray daily during Vespers, the evening prayer of the Church.