The only source of information on Saint Elizabeth is from the Bible. She is the wife of Zacharias, the mother of Saint John the Baptist and is cousins with the Virgin Mary. Zacharias was visited by Saint Gabriel to inform him of Elizabeth’s upcoming pregnancy. He was skeptical given that they were both elderly at this point, and due to this skepticism, he was rendered mute until the birth. Gabriel also visited Mary to bring the good news that she would bear Jesus. When Mary visited Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leapt with joy. This is referred to as “the Visitation.” Elizabeth exclaimed the famous words to Mary that would end up being our“Hail Mary” prayer.
