“Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!” (Zeph 3:14). [1]
Today marks the day Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. Upon hearing Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth – filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”
Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting has become known as her Magnificat. With a bold yet humble spirit, she proclaimed the greatness of the Lord, which raises up the lowly. The feast invites us to share in Mary’s wonder and imitate her visit to those who need a kind word or a helping hand. [2]
Written by Sarah Ciotti
Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD
[1] Revised Standard Version, s.v. “Zephaniah, The Book of.”
[2] Benedict XVI, “Address for Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary” May 31, 2008.