Gifts of the Visitation: Nine Spiritual Encounters with Mary and Elizabeth
by Denise Bossert
Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 2015
by Denise Bossert
Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 2015
The Visitation refers to the time when Mary, receiving the
news from the angel Gabriel that she was going to become the mother of Jesus as
well as that her cousin Elizabeth was going to have a baby, rushed to her elder
cousin’s side. Gifts of the Visitation by
Denise Bossert is an in-depth look at this event, inviting readers to learn
from both of these holy women.
Mary and Elizabeth shared nine gifts that we are encouraged
to emulate: spontaneity, courage, joy, readiness, humility, a spirit of
adventure, hospitality, wonder and awe, and thanksgiving. Bossert explores how
both of these women demonstrate these qualities. While so much has been written
on Mary, and rightfully so, it is interesting and valuable to view the
visitation from Elizabeth’s point of view as well. Bossert does this with great
tenderness and insight.
Each chapter includes a reflection and prayer. In keeping
with the theme of nine, a novena is also included which one may choose to pray
while reading the book over a course of nine days.
Bossert is a convert to the Catholic faith. The daughter of
a Protestant minister, this was not an easy journey for her to take, and she
willingly admits that Mary was a huge stumbling block. The story of how she
came to appreciate and esteem Mary so much that she wrote a book about her is
well worth reading!
Mary and Elizabeth “knew how to serve one another, for love
of God.” God gave them the grace they needed for their respective spiritual journeys
which changed the world. We can rest in the knowledge that God provides us with
what we need as well. In reading and reflecting on “The Gift of the Visitation”
we can seek to imitate these amazing women and carry out God’s will for us in
our own lives.
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