On this day, you may like to reflect on the Visitation of Our Lady, described so beautifully by St Luke: ‘In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy.  And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”’ (Luke 1:39-45)

This event is the second of the joyful mysteries of the Rosary, and commemorates when John the Baptist, still in the womb, leapt for joy in recognition of the Lord. This mystery is traditionally prayed on Mondays and Saturdays, so it is reflected on today.

May you dwell in the heart of this mystery; may Our Lady and St Elizabeth pray for you, and may God bless you this day.