Definition of visitation

The word "visitation" originally comes from the Middle English word "visite," meaning "a coming or going to see someone." This word itself derives from the Latin "visitātiō," which refers to the act of inspecting or being present somewhere. In its oldest religious context, the word "visitation" refers to the biblical story of St. Elizabeth's pregnancy and Mary's visit to her cousin. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Luke as the "Visitació" in the Vulgate Latin Bible, which is still commonly used during Catholic Masses. As a religious term, "visitation" also refers to a priest, bishop, or other representative of the Christian church who is sent to a particular place, often to offer sacraments or minister to a congregation in need. Over time, "visitation" has also come to describe personal or spiritual encounters with the divine, such as religious epiphanies or the presence of the Holy Spirit. In Catholic tradition, "visitation" is a devotional practice that encourages women to follow in Mary's footsteps by visiting pregnant women, offering spiritual guidance, and sharing resources. This practice, which is also known as the "Visitatio Regina," was popularized in the 19th century as a way to support women experiencing pregnancy and childbirth outside of the church's traditional networks. Overall, the meaning of "visitation" continues to expand and evolve over time, encompassing a range of interpersonal, spiritual, and religious contexts.