The Visitation

Mary’s cousin Elizabeth conceived a son in her old age… for nothing is impossible with God. Charity prompts Mary to hasten to visit Elizabeth in the hour of her need. The journey to Elizabeth’s home is about eighty miles requiring four or five days. Though long and arduous, the journey is joyous, for Mary bears with her the Incarnate Word. At Mary’s salutation, John the Baptist is sanctified in his mother’s womb. Elizabeth exclaims: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” “How have I deserved that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” “Blessed is she who believed that the Lord’s words to her would be fulfilled.” Mary replies: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit finds joy in God my Savior.” Mary serves her cousin in all humility for three months until the birth of John the Baptist.

Spiritual fruit: Love of Neighbour

Introduce the Mystery

Announce “The Second Joyful Mystery – The Visitation”.

Our Father

Say the Our Father: “Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

Hail Mary

Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery: “Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

Glory Be

Say the Glory Be: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

Oh My Jesus

Say the O My Jesus prayer: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.”