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St. Francis de Sales chose to found his Order under the patronage of the Blessed Mother in her visit to her cousin Elizabeth, because her found many insights in this Scriptural passage.
As we prepare for this Feast on Thursday, May 31, we present just a few of St. Francis’ thoughts on the Visitation.
” You will see the young, poor and little Lady carrying in her womb the Son of God, coming meekly to consult her dear and holy husband for permission to make the pious visit to her aged cousin, Elizabeth. You will see her say goodbye to her dear neighbors for the three months she expects to be in the country and mountains. I think that all leave her greatly touched, for she was so agreeable and friendly that one could not be without her love nor leave her without sorrow.
She undertakes her journey with a bit of eagerness, for the Evangelist says that it was with haste (Luke 1:39). Ah, the first fruits of the movements of him whom she had in her womb could only be made with fervor! O holy eagerness which does not disturb and which hastens us on without hurrying!
O God, what a beautiful pilgrimage! Consider that the Virgin only thinks about that of which she is full and that she only longs for the Savior. The Savior serves as staff, food, and a small bottle of wine- of wine, I say, which gladdens angels, and men, and elates God the Father with love beyond measure.”
Source: Letter DCXCVII, XV, St. Francis de Sales
St. Francis de Sales’ special admiration for the Visitation Gospel and the Blessed Mother’s unique experience there led him to reflect further on her Magnificat prayer:
” My spirit rejoices in God, my Savior is interpreted as an indication of the love of benevolence on Mary’s part toward God. Yhrough this love the soul recognizes that the divine goodness, being infinite, cannot be increased by any human praise. Yet it knows that the human being can come closer to God by taking delight in his perfection.
Because he has regarded the lowliness of his handmaid, all generations shall call me blessed. There is a distinction between abjection and humility. Abjection is the littleness that actually existed in Mary. Humility is her voluntary acknowledgement of it. Because of her abjection God gave her graces and favors in abundance.
Source: The Mariology of St. Francis de Sales; Fr Carney OSFS