The Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation

Pictured above: Detail from the Visitation by Jacopo Pontormo. 1528-29. San Michele, Carmignano (Florence).

Mary visits Elizabeth, her cousin, to share with her the good news about the son she is carrying. The virtue of charity is associated with this mystery.

1. [The angel Gabriel said to Mary:] "Know that Elizabeth your kinswoman has conceived a son in her old age; she who was thought to be sterile is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:36–37)
   
   
2. Thereupon Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah, where she entered Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. (Luke 1:39–40)
   
   
3. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby lept in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice, "Blest are you among women and blest is the fruit of your womb." (Luke 1:41–42)
   
   
4. Then Mary said, "My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my savior." (Luke 1:46–47)
   
   
5. "For he has looked upon his servant in her lowliness; all ages to come shall call me blessed. God who is mighty has done great things for me; holy is his name." (Luke 1:49)
   
   
6. "His mercy is from age to age on those who fear him." (Luke 1:50)
   
   
7. When Elizabeth's time for delivery arrived, she gave birth to a son. (Luke 1:57)
   
   
8. They asked the father what he wished him to be called. He signaled for a writing tablet and wrote the words, "His name is John." (Luke 1:62–63)
   
   
9. And you, O child, shall be called prophet of the Most High; for you shall go before the Lord to prepare straight paths for him. (Luke 1:76)
   
   
10. Mary remained with Elizabeth about thee months and then returned home. (Luke 1:56)

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