Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

  • Zephaniah 3:14–18 or Romans 12:9–16

  • Isaiah 12:2–6 (Responsorial Psalm)

  • Luke 1:39–56 – Mary set out and travelled in haste to the hill country…

🕊️ Theme: “She Carried Christ and Shared Him With Joy”

Introduction – When Good News Moves You

When South Africans receive good news—like passing matric, getting a job, or expecting a child—what’s the first thing we do? We tell someone. We visit. We celebrate. That’s exactly what Mary did after receiving her good news from the angel.

A Journey of Faith, Love, and Service

Mary doesn’t sit still after the Annunciation. She sets out in haste—not for her own comfort, but to serve someone else: her cousin Elizabeth. She brings Christ in her womb and joy in her heart.

Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognises what many others could not: “Blessed are you among women!” Two women. Two unborn children. And the Spirit of God dancing between them.

Mary responds with the Magnificat—a song of praise, justice, and hope. Her words echo the cries of our own people: God lifts the lowly, fills the hungry, and scatters the proud.

Reflection Question

  • Am I like Mary—carrying Christ with joy, and bringing hope to others?
  • Or am I waiting for others to come to me?

Eucharistic Connection

Just as Mary carried Christ within her to Elizabeth, we are sent from every Mass carrying Christ in our hearts. The real Presence of Jesus within us should make us people of joy, service, and holy urgency.

Daily Practical Application

  • Visit someone today who may feel forgotten.

  • Bring hope, encouragement, and presence.

  • Like Mary, don’t delay—go in haste to love and serve.

A South African Touch

In many South African cultures, when a woman is pregnant, older women surround her with care, prayer, and song. The Visitation shows us that our faith is relational, communal, and joyful. We are not saved alone.

Inspirational Quote

“Mary teaches us that love always moves—always visits, always uplifts, always brings Christ.”
– Fr Mathibela Sebothoma

Conclusion & Prayer

The Visitation reminds us that joy must be shared, and Christ must be carried—not just in the womb, but in our witness.
Let us go out today, like Mary, with hearts full of grace and feet ready to serve.

Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, help me to carry You with joy, like Mary did.
Make me quick to serve, quick to love, and slow to judge.
May my life be a Magnificat that praises You and lifts the lowly. Amen.

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