Homily for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Feast of the Visitation recalls Mary’s visit to her aging cousin Elizabeth. Both had recently and unexpectedly been told that they would bear children who were central to God’s plans for Israel. Mary took the demanding journey to the hill country of Judaea to share the good news with her cousin. It was always going to be a joyful meeting, one marked by the courtesy of both women.