The Visitation of the Virgin Mary: significance and feast day on 31 May

What is the Visitation of the Virgin Mary?

After the Annunciation, Mary learns from the angel Gabriel that Elizabeth is also expecting a child despite her advanced age. Mary then sets out to visit her and offer her help.

“As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. ”

— Gospel of Luke (1:41)

The account of the Visitation appears in the Gospel of Luke (1:39–56). This meeting between Mary and Elizabeth is a moment of joy, humility and faith. John the Baptist already recognises the presence of Christ carried by the Virgin Mary.

What is the significance of the Visitation?

The Visitation symbolises Christian charity, service and faith in God. Mary becomes a model of brotherly love, readiness and humility by setting out immediately to help her cousin Elizabeth.

This Marian feast still invites the faithful today to live more deeply in prayer and contemplation, particularly through the rosary, religious objects or Christian jewellery worn as a sign of faith and protection.

Why is the Visitation celebrated on 31 May?

The feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on 31 May, the last day of the month dedicated to Mary. This date brings the month of May to a close in a spirit of prayer, joy and trust.

In 2026, the Visitation of the Virgin Mary will be celebrated on Sunday 31 May 2026.

The Magnificat: the prayer of the Visitation

During the Visitation, Mary recites the Magnificat, a famous prayer of praise and trust in God.

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.”

This prayer expresses Mary’s gratitude as well as her total trust in God’s providence. The Magnificat still holds an important place today in Christian spirituality and Marian devotion.

How can we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation today?

The Feast of the Visitation can be celebrated simply through prayer and contemplation. It invites every Christian to draw closer to Mary and to live more deeply in charity.

Reciting the Rosary, meditating on the Magnificat, lighting a prayer candle or entrusting one’s family to the Virgin Mary are all ways to celebrate this Marian feast in faith and inner peace. The Visitation is also a special time to pray for expectant mothers, families and the elderly.

To accompany these times of prayer, discover our incense and religious candles, our religious books, and our religious icons.

Which religious items to use for the Visitation?

The feast of the Visitation is also a beautiful time to deepen one’s prayer and devotion to the Virgin Mary through various religious items inspired by the Christian faith. These items can be used during times of reflection, when meditating on the Magnificat, or when reciting the Rosary during the Month of Mary.

Discover below a selection of religious items dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Christian spirituality:

• Marian Rosaries
  
• Statues of the Virgin Mary
  
• Miraculous Medals
  
• Religious candles
  

Other religious items can also accompany times of prayer linked to the Visitation, such as prayer booklets, religious incense, religious icons or even Christian jewellery worn daily as a symbol of faith and protection.

Depictions of religious angels are also very popular for creating an atmosphere of peace and contemplation during this Marian feast.

At the Palais du Rosaire, discover a selection of religious items shipped from Lourdes to accompany your prayer and devotion to the Virgin Mary during the Visitation.

Prayer for the Visitation of the Virgin Mary

Blessed Virgin Mary,

you who brought joy to Elizabeth at the Visitation,

teach us to live in love, service and faith.

Help us to bring peace to those around us,

to support those who suffer

and to keep faith in times of trial.

May the Visitation remind us every day

of the importance of charity and Christian hope.

Through your intercession,

protect our families and guide us to your Son Jesus.

Amen.

FAQ – The Visitation of the Virgin Mary

What does the Visitation of the Virgin Mary mean?

The Visitation refers to Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth. It symbolises charity, joy and the presence of Christ.

Which Bible verse refers to the Visitation?

The account of the Visitation is found in the Gospel according to Saint Luke, chapter 1, verses 39 to 56.

When is the Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary in 2026?

In 2026, the Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary will be celebrated on Sunday 31 May.

What is the prayer of the Visitation?

The best-known prayer associated with the Visitation is the Magnificat, spoken by Mary during her meeting with Elizabeth.

Why is the Visitation important?

The Visitation is important because it shows Mary’s humility, her willingness to help and her love for others.

Conclusion

The Visitation of the Virgin Mary is a deeply meaningful Marian feast. Through the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, the Church invites us to live our faith in joy, service and trust.

On 31 May, the last day of the Month of Mary, the Visitation is a wonderful opportunity to pray to the Virgin Mary, to meditate on the Magnificat and to entrust our families to her intercession.