The second joyful mystery of the Rosary is the Visitation, an event full of grace and joy, recounted in the Gospel according to Saint Luke. This episode tells of the Virgin Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth, just after the Annunciation. This moment is rich in spiritual encounters and divine revelations.
After receiving the miraculous news from the angel Gabriel and accepting her mission with faith and humility, Mary also learned that her cousin Elizabeth, despite her advanced age and supposed sterility, was expecting a child. Inspired by her family's love and support, Mary quickly set off for the mountainous region of Judea, where Elizabeth lived with her husband, Zechariah.
On her arrival, as soon as Mary greeted Elizabeth, the child in Elizabeth's womb leapt for joy. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaimed enthusiastically, "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord has come to me? For you see, from the moment your greeting struck my ears, the child within me leapt for joy. Blessed is she who believed in the fulfilment of the words spoken to her by the Lord!"
In response to this blessing, Mary, in a burst of gratitude and praise, uttered the Magnificat, her famous hymn of thanksgiving: "My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit exults in God, my Saviour. From now on, all ages will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done wonders for me; holy is his name."
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, sharing with her the joys and preparations of their respective maternities. This period was marked by deep communion, fervent prayer and mutual support. Their meeting is a model of spiritual friendship and family solidarity, embodying the values of charity and faith.
The Visitation is celebrated on 31 May and symbolises humility, generosity and the recognition of God's presence in our lives. This joyful mystery invites us to recognise the blessings we receive and to celebrate moments of grace with gratitude and praise. Through the example of Mary and Elizabeth, we learn the importance of shared faith and mutual support in our own spiritual journeys.
