By Katie Patrick
As I begin this reflection on the Second Joyful Mystery of the Rosary, I want to take a moment to acknowledge my fellow columnist, Father Brian Wirth, assistant pastor at St. Peter Church in Lincoln and Director of Catholic Rural Life. His recent homily, which included a letter from Bishop James Conley addressing the upcoming ballot initiatives, reminded us that “God is in control.” In a world filled with noise—news, yard signs, commercials, social media, and controversial conversations—it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, I find it necessary to disconnect entirely, even from my phone, to regain focus, clarity, and quite honestly, my sanity.
Since 1884, for Catholics, the month of October has been dedicated to the Holy Rosary. Throughout childhood, the Second Joyful Mystery of the Rosary, the Visitation, had always been my favorite, but it wasn’t until recently that I learned the particular gift of the Holy Spirit that is associated with this Mystery is “love of thy neighbor.”
Initially, I was overjoyed that it coincided with my passion for serving others, but more deeply, over the past few years, as I have become the mother of three daughters and two heavenly daughters, this particular moment in the history of our faith, when our Blessed Mother visits her cousin Elizabeth, has taken on new life.
The Gospel of Luke tells us, “During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, ‘Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.’” (Luke 1:39-42).
The story of the Visitation highlights Mary’s act of selfless service by visiting Elizabeth, demonstrating a deep love for her, and moreover, we witness an intimate and profound moment not only in their lives, but in the lives of Jesus and his cousin, John the Baptist. The encounter reveals not only the significance of Mary’s visit, but also the miraculous recognition of life within Elizabeth’s womb. Elizabeth’s child, John the Baptist, leaps in joy at the presence of Jesus, who is still in Mary’s womb, emphasizing the sanctity and beauty of human life.
Mary’s hurried journey to support Elizabeth can frequently be seen in the lives of those we help at St. Gianna’s Home in Lincoln, not just in the acts of service we provide to the women, but among the women themselves. I am always humbled by the sights and stories of kindness, encouragement, and sacrifice that exist there, particularly among the expectant mothers. Women are often able to connect and serve each other there, because doing so isn’t always about giving food or money; it’s about extending a smile, a hug, and even a shoulder to cry on.
After all, in every act of love, we participate in the divine mission of bringing Christ into the world, just as Mary did. And when we pause amidst life’s chaos, we can focus our hearts and prayers on those who need our support—mothers, fathers, and their preborn babies. If you, too, feel overwhelmed or anxious in this election season, I encourage you to take a step back. Pray, and remember, “God is in control.”
