The Roman Anglican

Today is the Feast of the Visitation, when the Church celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary’s joyful encounter with Elizabeth. Central to this episode is Mary’s hymn of thanksgiving, the Magnificat, sung after Elizabeth acknowledges her as the Mother of God. It is a fourfold meeting: Elizabeth carries Saint John the Baptist, the last of the prophets, while Mary bears Christ. Even in the womb, John greets the Lord, who, according to later devotional tradition, returns the blessing.

Renaissance artists developed a rich iconography for this scene. First comes the occursus, the meeting of the two women; then the exsultatio, as John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb; and finally the Magnificat, as Mary gives voice to her joyful praise. In some depictions, the unborn Christ is even shown blessing the Baptist, emphasizing the profound spiritual exchange taking place before birth. In Jacopo Pontormo’s magnificent Mannerist Visitation, these three moments merge into a single, emotionally charged scene, moving from recognition to revelation and finally to praise.

Some altars of repose from Rome tonight.