TODAY'S SAINT (Elizabeth)

ELIZABETH

(first century)

Mother of St. John the Baptist and kinswoman of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Name meaning: Worshiper of God

Elizabeth is mentioned in Luke 1. She was a descendant of Aaron and lived with her husband Zachary, a priest of the temple in Jerusalem. She and Zachary prayed for a son, but she was barren.

When the couple was advanced in years, Gabriel the Archangel appeared to Zachary and told him Elizabeth would bear a son who was to be named John. When Elizabbeth was six months pregnant, Gabriel informed Mary that she was to bear a son who was to be named Jesus. Mary, wishing to share her news, visited Elizabeth, who greeted her by saying, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" Elizabeth said that her inffant "leaped for joy" in her womb at the sound of Mary's voice. Mary then delivered the Magnificat ("My soul magnifies the Lord. . .").

The last information about Elizabeth in Luke tells of the infant John's circumcision and naming in the temple of Jerusalem.

Feast: November 5 (with Zachary)