The Visitation

THE VISITATION ACCORDING TO THE VISIONS OF BL. ANNE CATHERINE EMMERICH

After the Conception of Jesus, Mary was inspired to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who was then pregnant for John the Baptist. Elizabeth’s husband, Zachary, had been struck dumb shortly after Elizabeth’s conception and had taken to communicating by writing on a tablet.

Informed in a vision that Mary was approaching, Elizabeth made ready for her visitors. Sensing their approach, she hurried from the house to meet Mary and Joseph. Though they had never met, Mary recognized Elizabeth immediately and hurried to greet her.

I saw a light in Mary and issuing from her a ray which entered into Elizabeth, who thereby became wonderfully agitated. They did not pause long in sight of the beholders, but arm in arm passed up the courtyard to the door of the house, where Elizabeth once more bade Mary welcome. Joseph went around to the side of the house and into an open hall where sat Zachary. He respectfully saluted the aged priest, who responded in writing on his tablet.

When Mary and Elizabeth entered the house, a light issued down between them during their embrace, flooding Elizabeth with a passion that caused her to exclaim, “Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” (which later became part of the Hail Mary: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.”