A village of Visitation

Ain Carim, the Village of the Visitation

Ain Carim (Hebrew for “source of the vineyard”) is a village located southwest of Jerusalem, identified by Christian tradition as the place where Elizabeth and Zachary lived, and where Mary visited her cousin after the Annunciation. It is the biblical setting of the Visitation.

The Biblical Event

According to the Gospel of Luke (1:39-56), Mary traveled “with haste” to the mountains of Judah. Upon arriving, her greeting caused Elizabeth to exclaim with the power of the Holy Spirit: *”Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”* John the Baptist leapt in his mother’s womb. Mary responded with the Magnificat.

Shrines in Ain Carim

Two significant Franciscan shrines mark the site: the Church of Saint John the Baptist in the village center, and the Church of the Visitation on the slope of the hill. The latter features tiles depicting the Magnificat in dozens of languages, including Portuguese, adorning the exterior courtyard.

Spirituality of the Place

Ain Carim is one of the most contemplative places in the Holy Land. Here, Mary stayed with Elizabeth for approximately three months, a gesture of charity and spiritual growth. Pilgrims who visit Ain Carim are invited to contemplate Mary as a model of service and selflessness towards others.Deepen your studies: Explore Mariology, Marian Theology, Marian Apparitions, and Post-Graduate Marian Studies.—

Church Teaching

> “In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the mountain region to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zechariah, and greeted Elizabeth.” – *Luke 1:39-40 (Vulgata Clementina)*