When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
— Luke 1:41

May is the Month of Mary! It often begins in our parishes with a May Crowning and concludes with the beautiful Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today, I would like to turn our gaze to that feast and the inspiration we can draw from it.

“Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah.”
— Luke 1:39

Despite her own pregnancy and the length of her journey, Mary set out in haste to assist her cousin Elizabeth, who was also expecting a child. She recognized Elizabeth’s need and responded immediately. In doing so, she also made the first journey to bring Christ to others.

May we be inspired this month to be like Mary—going forth with urgency to bring Christ to those around us.

“…where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.”
— Luke 1:40

I love contemplating the Second Joyful Mystery of the Rosary and imagining the beautiful exchange between Mary and Elizabeth. It is such a powerful example of women encouraging women.

Mary, in her youth, goes to assist her older cousin during pregnancy—a time that can be more challenging later in life. At the same time, we can imagine faithful Elizabeth offering strength and encouragement to young Mary as she steps into her world-altering mission.

This reminds me of the importance of intergenerational friendships. Sharing life with those both older and younger than us enriches our journey. We have so much to learn from one another. May we be inspired this month to embrace opportunities to be women who encourage other women—and men—in faith.

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
— Luke 1:41

And let’s not forget our word of the year: JOY.

When Mary embraced her mission, look at the fruit: joy overflowed, the child leapt, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Now it is our turn to take up our mission and share this Christian joy within our own spheres of influence.

May we be inspired this month to be bearers of the Good News in our families, parishes, and communities.

I hope you will take a moment to explore the opportunities we are offering. If you are interested in serving as a parish representative, please email me—I would love to connect with you! I will be making regional visits throughout May and June and would love for you to join us.

You can also check your parish bulletin for ways to serve locally. And of course, our families provide countless opportunities to share the Good News.

In this month of May, may Mary be our guide and inspire us to act with loving urgency.

Mary, pray for us!

We are better together,

Barb