Who was St. Elizabeth?
St. Elizabeth was a remarkable woman, primarily known for her kindness, faith and humility. She lived during the time of Jesus and was a relative of the Virgin Mary, and is most known for being the mother of John the Baptist. Elizabeth’s story is found in the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament.
Despite facing challenges, Elizabeth remained faithful to God and was known for her righteous and devoted life. She and her husband, Zechariah, were elderly and had no children, which was considered a source of great sorrow in their culture. However, one day, an angel appeared to Zechariah and announced that Elizabeth would conceive and give birth to a son, who would become John the Baptist.
When Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, came to visit Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy, recognizing the presence of the unborn Jesus. Elizabeth proclaimed Mary as blessed, recognizing her role as the mother of the Saviour.
St. Elizabeth is celebrated on her feast day, which falls on November 5th. Her feast day is a special occasion to honour her faith, her role as the mother of John the Baptist and her connection to the life of Jesus through her relative, Mary.
Elizabeth’s story reminds believers of the importance of faith and trust in God, even in difficult circumstances. Her obedience to God’s plan and her joy in being part of Jesus’ life serve as an inspiration to Christians around the world.
On her feast day, Catholics and other Christians may attend Mass, pray for her intercession and reflect on her virtues. St. Elizabeth’s life teaches us the value of humility, the power of faith and the beauty of God’s divine plan for each of us. Through her example, believers are encouraged to seek God’s will in their lives and to find joy in serving Him and others with love and compassion.