CND Visitation (2)


Mary was thus an apostle, in fact the first person sent to proclaim the good news of God's dwelling among us. When Marguerite Bourgeoys reflected on Mary's role in the Visitation, she concluded that she, too, was called to that role, as were all those who would join her congregation. That is why she insisted that they could not remain within cloister walls but had to be free to go out to those around them. Today we feel a special urgency to "move closer to the reality of the impoverished, the excluded, the oppressed" so that together, we may share in the Gospel promise of abundant life. Recent reflection on the Visitation suggests that actually both women--Mary as well as Elizabeth--were changed as a result of their encounter. And that surely is our experience: our lives are enriched in so many ways by those with whom we experience the mystery of the Visitation. It is indeed a gift for us to be able to commit ourselves by vow to "bring the knowledge and love of the Incarnate Word" to those we encounter.

Last Modified: 02 June 2000