This Feast commemorates the visit of the Blessed Virgin to her cousin Elizabeth, recorded in the Gospel according to Luke (1:39–56).

Elizabeth, who was then pregnant with John the Baptist, greeted Mary with the words, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruitof your womb.” Mary broke into the song of praise and thanksgiving which we call the Magnificat, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.”

In this scene, the unborn John…