Saint Elizabeth was a relative of Mary the Mother of God; no one knows the exact biological relationship between them, but tradition often says that they were cousins.

When God chose Elizabeth to bear John the Baptist, her life changed. She was elderly and had never had children. At that time, being barren would have been considered a reproach to Elizabeth. It would have been a personal source of grief to her.

But God changed all that. Her reputation as a woman who was barren changed to one who had a miraculous birth in old age. Elizabeth expressed her appreciation for God’s blessing: “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people” (Luke 1:25).

Perhaps some, hearing about this miracle, may have even thought of the patriarch Abraham and his wife, Sarah, who had borne Isaac in their old age by a miracle from God. John the Baptist would then grow up to become a faithful messenger of the Lord. Imagine the special calling, the challenges of rearing such a son! Zacharias and Elizabeth taught him the Holy Scriptures, including the prophecies that pertained to him and his purpose.

John, even from his mother’s womb, was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:15). He was also prohibited from drinking any wine or strong drink. He was prophesied to be great in the sight of the Lord, and through his ministry he would turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He was to go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, and to make ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:16-17).

St. Elizabeth is most famous for the words of the “Hail Mary,” which she uttered at feeling her child leap in her womb as Mary, then pregnant with Jesus, came to visit cousin. However, there is no further mention of her in the bible after the birth and circumcision of her son John the Baptist.

Other Saints of the Day

St. Galation

St. Guido Maria Conforti

St. Kea

St. Laetus

St. Magnus