Today we celebrate the feast of the Visitation, when the Blessed Virgin Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. It may seem strange to celebrate a mere visit between family members, but this is no ordinary visit. 

Mary had just given her ‘yes’ to God, agreeing to bear his only son in her womb. She had also learned that her cousin Elizabeth was with child despite her old age. When Mary heard this news, she set out in haste to see her cousin. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb. We know this infant to be the prophet John the Baptist. Even as an unborn child, John the Baptist began to prophesy when he recognized the presence of his Lord and Savior, who was also an unborn child. The two mothers were both moved by the Holy Spirit to bless one another, to bless the fruit of their wombs, and to proclaim the greatness of the Lord. 

This visit was an extraordinary moment of communion among souls. This is central to the St. Vincent de Paul spirituality. We are called to experience this communion at Mass, where we believe we receive the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. And we are also called to experience communion with one another in our everyday lives – to see, know, and love Christ in each person we encounter.   

This is why the home visit is one of the core activities of St. Vincent de Paul Conferences (neighborhood ministries). Visiting a neighbor at their home is an extraordinary opportunity to provide personal support and friendship, along with material assistance.  

In the words of the prophet Zephaniah: “The Lord, your God is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in his love.” Let us allow the Lord to renew us in his love, and let us share that love with one another!

Photo of artwork by Corby Eisbacher, “Jump for Joy”