May 31 is the Western date for the Feast of the Visitation (Luke 1:39–56). The Maronite Church apparently one of few that specially marks the Visitation, in its case as part of the pre-Christmas cycle. This image is from a website listing the Sundays, including that of the Visitation.
In the 13th Century the Visitation was promoted by the Franciscans, and it spread in observance, with a date of July 2, which was changed to May 31 in 1969.
I see that the Orthodox Church in America has taken up a proposal to celebrate The Meeting of the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Elizabeth; the composition of the Service are the work of Archimandrite Antonin Kapustin (+ 1894), head of the Russian Orthodox Mission in Jerusalem. The Gorneye Convent in Jerusalem, built on the traditional site of the Meeting of the Theotokos and St Elizabeth, celebrates this Feast on March 30.
Since after the Annunciation (March 25) Mary "went with haste" to visit her cousin Elizabeth, March 30 seems a reasonable date for the feast, but it does run into possible conflicts with Holy Week and Easter. (Make note to self: Add this March 30 date to the FSJ Calendar of the Christian Year....)
I think this biblically-recorded encounter between the Mother of the"greatest among men born of woman" (John) and the Mother of the Incarnate Son of God, both "with child" deserves greater appreciation and observance, perhaps today more than ever. It teaches respect for the sanctity of life, at a very basic level, and is rich in imagery about life and women who are vessels of life. The wanton destruction of human life in utero of our times needs to be addressed not only in political action, but liturgical action as well: the church has in its treasure house of memory and life the perfect resource to speak to the sanctity of human life in the womb through the icon of Mary and Elizabeth together with child. Elizabeth speaks under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as well. It is the first testimony of John the Forerunner to Christ--through the sound of His Mother's voice. There is so much happening in this scene, and it ends with the Magnificat. Much to ponder and to celebrate.
We also are on the verge of another Feast, not forgotten, but it is fading: The Ascension of Our Lord, this Thursday, June 2.
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I see that the Orthodox Church in America has taken up a proposal to celebrate The Meeting of the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Elizabeth; the composition of the Service are the work of Archimandrite Antonin Kapustin (+ 1894), head of the Russian Orthodox Mission in Jerusalem. The Gorneye Convent in Jerusalem, built on the traditional site of the Meeting of the Theotokos and St Elizabeth, celebrates this Feast on March 30.
Since after the Annunciation (March 25) Mary "went with haste" to visit her cousin Elizabeth, March 30 seems a reasonable date for the feast, but it does run into possible conflicts with Holy Week and Easter. (Make note to self: Add this March 30 date to the FSJ Calendar of the Christian Year....)
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We also are on the verge of another Feast, not forgotten, but it is fading: The Ascension of Our Lord, this Thursday, June 2.
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