[ Recite 1 Our Father - 10 Hail Marys - 1 Glory be to the Father ]

What impulse of love made you hurry to visit your cousin Elizabeth, kind Mother? At a moment when you had every right to rest in the
jubilant news that you would be the Mother of the Messiah you left the place of your exaltation.

No doubt the advanced age of Elizabeth caused you concern. Your compassionate Heart turned toward her. Elizabeth, in her old age, needed the comfort of your youth. The Child in your womb, conceived by the Holy Spirit, began His work of Redemption by sanctifying John.

Your zeal to carry Jesus to others, no matter what the cost, embarrasses us and causes us to blush with shame. We neglect the aged because we are too busy. We permit the Generation Gap to widen because we do not possess the love to bridge the distance. We permit social injustice because we do not wish to be our brother's keeper. Holy Mary, bring Jesus to us through the merits of your visit to Elizabeth. Obtain for us the graces we need to magnify the Lord by our humility in dealing with our neighbor, our concern for the aged, our zeal for social justice and our courage when duty calls for sacrifice.