Today is the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary upon which we recall the visit of the pregnant Mary to her similarly pregnant kinswoman Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56). Thus, John the Baptist, in the womb of his mother, first encounters Jesus Christ who is also in the womb.
“The Feast of the Visitation is a poignant reminder of the humanity of the unborn child,” says Genevieve Marnon, Legislative Director of Right to Life of Michigan, May 31.
“Mary’s greeting to her cousin Elizabeth prompted her to proclaim that ‘the child in my womb leapt for joy.’ The child leapt and felt joy - both very human characteristics.”
This Feast of the Visitation is of medieval origin, it was kept by the Franciscan Order before 1263, and soon its observance spread throughout the entire Church. Previously it was celebrated on July 2. Now it is celebrated between the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord and the birth of Saint John the Baptist, in conformity with the Gospel accounts.
“The Visitation is also a reminder of the love and care which should be shown to pregnant women. When Mary was told that her cousin Elizabeth was expecting, her first thought was to go in haste to help,” adds Genevieve Marnon.
“The employees and volunteers at pregnancy centers across the state come to the aid of pregnant women every day. The truth of the sanctity of human life and the joys of motherhood motivate their action.”
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• To know more about Right to Life of Michigan go to: https://rtl.org/