Once again, this week, our Church guides us to look towards Mary as role model, and comforter. During the month of May, dedicated to her, we have recalled the events of her life through her special prayer, the Rosary. Our students have recited the Hail Mary in her honour and learnt more about her through the beautiful words that are so familiar to us all.

The last day in May has been set aside to remember a major event in Mary’s life - one of her actions from which we learn much about her. The Visitation, celebrated on May 31, tells of Mary’s visit to her older cousin, Elizabeth, as they celebrate together the news that they are both to become mothers. Despite Mary’s own news and excitement, she travels to visit Elizabeth in order to check on her welfare and to celebrate her joy. 

Mary set out and travelled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”.  (Lk. 1:39-42)

In this world of so many concerns and troubles, this beautiful feast might remind us that, as Mary and Elizabeth experienced joy when they met in the presence of Jesus,  we also experience joy with the presence of Jesus in our lives and with each other. 

Mary’s beautiful words to Elizabeth, contained in the Magnificat, show her not only as a woman of faith, to become a devoted mother, but also her humility and love of God: 

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: The Almighty has done great things for me. And holy is his Name".