Mary set out and traveled... In haste

Among the highlights of the celebration of the World Youth Day 2023 was the visit of Pope Francis to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima on Aug. 5.

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Using the liturgical text of Luke 1:39-56, he zoomed in on the figure of Mary as the outstanding model of missionary spirit:

"As soon as [Mary] heard that her elderly relative— although already advanced in years—was pregnant, Mary ran out.

That is a somewhat free translation, for the Gospel says she 'went with haste'; yet we could say she ran out, ran eagerly to help, to be present."

The readiness of Mary to be of service is her expression of love. In the mystery of our Lady’s visitation to Elizabeth, we do not only see the reunion of two pregnant women touched by God's grace.

We also see the outpouring of love of our Lady to her elderly relative. In fact, the Gospel says, "Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home" (v 56).

As we close the month of Mary within this Easter season, let us invoke her intercession to help us welcome the Holy Spirit in our lives.