The Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth

Elizabeth and Zechariah's Home

Elizabeth and Zechariah's home is nestled in the rolling hills of Judea, surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers.

The house is modest yet inviting, built with local stone and featuring a small courtyard where olive trees sway gently in the breeze. Inside, the air is filled with the scent of herbs and the warmth of a welcoming hearth.

The Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth

As Mary approaches the doorway, she feels a mix of excitement and nervousness. She knows that Elizabeth, her relative, has been blessed with a miraculous pregnancy, and she longs to share her own news.

A hypothetical Conversation Between Mary and Elizabeth

Mary:

"Elizabeth! It’s so wonderful to see you! I have traveled from Nazareth to be with you."

Elizabeth:

"Mary! My heart leaps at your presence! How blessed I am that the mother of my Lord has come to visit me!"

Mary:

"You feel it too, don’t you? The joy that fills our hearts. I can hardly believe the miracle that has occurred in my life."

Elizabeth:

"Oh, dear Mary, when I heard your greeting, the baby within me leaped for joy! You are truly blessed among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."

Mary:

"I am humbled by this gift. I did not expect such a response. How is it that I am so favored?"

Elizabeth:

"It is the Lord’s doing! He has looked upon your lowly state and chosen you for something great. You will be the mother of the Messiah, and your faith has brought you here."

Mary:

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. He has done great things for me, and holy is His name."

Elizabeth:

"Indeed, Mary! His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation. We are part of a divine plan, and our children will play significant roles in it."

Mary:

"We must support each other in this journey. Our lives are intertwined in ways we cannot yet understand."

Elizabeth:

"Yes, let us rejoice together and prepare for what is to come. We are chosen vessels of His love."

The Scriptural Rosary

'Mary set out at that time and went to the hill country. And She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth.' Luke 1:39,40
'Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.' Luke 1:41
'She gave a loud cry and said, 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.' Luke 1:42
'Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled' Luke 1:45
'And Mary said, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit exults in God my savior; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid' Luke 1:46,48
'Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed, for the Almighty has done great things for me.' Luke 1:48, 49
'Holy is his name, and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him' Luke 1:49,50
'He has shown the power of his arm, he has routed the proud of heart.' Luke 1:51
'He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly' Luke 1:52
'The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away.' Luke 1:53

With permission from The Scriptural Rosary book written by Joanne & John Bolger
Published and permission from Christianica (America) Center

Historical Significance

As they embrace, a profound bond forms between them, rooted in shared experiences and divine purpose. They spend the day recounting their hopes, dreams, and fears, nurturing each other's spirits as they prepare for the extraordinary path ahead.

Their conversation is filled with laughter and tears, prayers and praises, as they celebrate the miraculous blessings bestowed upon them. In this sacred moment, the foundation of a lifelong friendship and support is laid, one that will carry them through the trials to come.

Embarking on a Real-Time Pilgrimage with Mary:
An Adventure Awaits

Mary’s journey home from Elizabeth’s house in the Judean hill country (likely near Jerusalem) to Nazareth in Galilee would have covered approximately 80–100 miles, depending on the route.

Traveling by foot or donkey—the primary modes of transportation for Jewish peasants—she likely followed one of two common paths:

the journey would have taken 7–10 days, factoring in rest stops and slower movement due to her condition. She may have traveled with a caravan for safety, as solitary travel was rare.

Upon arrival in Nazareth, she reunited with Joseph, who would soon face the challenge of accepting her miraculous pregnancy (Matthew 1:18–25). The journey underscored her trust in God’s provision amid physical strain and societal risks.

• The Jordan Valley Route: A flatter, longer path along the river, offering easier terrain but adding distance.
• The Central Mountain Route: A more direct but rugged path through Samaria, passing towns like Shechem and Shiloh.

Day 1 - Farewell to Ein Karem

The morning sun spills gold over the Judean hills as Mary wraps her arms around Elizabeth one last time. Zechariah loads a donkey with bread, dates, and a waterskin, his silent lips forming a blessing.

The child in Mary’s womb stirs as she steps onto the dusty path, turning north. “How long until I see Joseph? Will he believe?” she wonders, her hand resting lightly on her abdomen—now softly rounded at three months.

Day 3 - Into the Jordan Valley

The air grows heavy with heat as the road descends into the valley. Mary joins a small caravan of traders heading toward Jericho.

The Jordan River glints in the distance, its banks lush with tamarisk trees. A widow in the group shares figs and stories of her own child, lost to fever. Mary listens, her heart tender.

That night, under a tapestry of stars, she whispers the Magnificat: “My soul glorifies the Lord…” (Luke 1:46).

Day 5 - Jericho's Shadows

The crumbling walls of Jericho loom—a reminder of God’s power to bring down strongholds. Mary’s feet ache, her lower back throbbing from hours on the donkey.

She pauses at a spring, dipping her hands into cool water. “This child will be living water,” she thinks, recalling Elizabeth’s prophecy.

A Roman soldier eyes her, but the caravan leader intervenes. Mary breathes a prayer for mercy.

Day 7 - Crossing into Galilee

Day 7 – Crossing into Galilee

The valley narrows, the Jordan’s murmur fading as hills rise ahead. Mary’s heart quickens—Nazareth is nearby.

She passes fishermen drying nets by the Sea of Galilee, their laughter mingling with gull cries. A woman gives her a pomegranate, its ruby seeds bursting with sweetness. “The Lord fills the hungry with good things,” Mary smiles (Luke 1:53).

Day 9 - Homecoming

After days of traveling on a donkey over bumpy roads, Nazareth finally comes into view. The white stone houses shine in the fading sunlight, looking like gleaming teeth against the horizon. Your legs are tired, but you can feel Mary’s excitement growing.

She brushes off the dust from her dress, a reminder of her long journey. Three months have passed since she hurried away to help Elizabeth, and now everything feels changed. The baby Jesus is growing inside her, and a mix of joy and nerves fills the air.

What will Joseph think when he sees her again?

Reflection Moment
Sharing Our Journey

As we stand together at the end of this virtual pilgrimage, take a moment to breathe in the stillness around us. Look at the familiar sights of Nazareth, where Mary’s journey began and where her heart now finds peace.

Pause: Close your eyes and imagine the sounds of the village—the laughter of children, the rustle of olive trees in the breeze, and the gentle clinking of pots as families prepare dinner.

Reflect: Think about the moments we shared with Mary:

• Her Courage: When she accepted the angel's message, what does that teach us about facing our own challenges?
• Her Love: The way she cared for Elizabeth and the baby inside her reminds us of the importance of supporting one another. Who in your life needs your love and support right now?
• Her Faith: Mary’s journey was filled with uncertainty, yet she trusted in God’s plan. How can we apply that faith in our own lives, especially when things feel unclear?

Share: If you feel comfortable, turn to your traveling journal and share a thought or feeling about your journey.
What touched you the most?
What will you carry with you as you return home?

Closing Prayer

Let’s take a moment to pray together, thanking God for this journey and asking for the strength to carry
Mary’s spirit of love, courage, and faith into our daily lives.