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What happens during the Visitation involving Elizabeth, Mary, John, and Jesus?

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Geertgen tot Sint Jans: John the Baptist in the Wilderness — St. John the Baptist *John the Baptist in the Wilderness*, oil on panel by Geertgen tot Sint Jans, 15th century; in the Gemäldegalerie, Berlin.

The Visitation is the event described in the Gospel According to Luke (1:39–56) in which the Virgin Mary, then pregnant with Jesus, visited her relative St. Elizabeth, who was pregnant with St. John the Baptist.12

Upon hearing Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and felt her unborn child leap in her womb for joy. According to later Catholic doctrine, this movement signified that John had been sanctified and cleansed of original sin, effectively acting as a form of baptism. Elizabeth then proclaimed Mary and the "fruit of her womb" blessed, expressing wonder that the mother of her Lord had come to visit her.21

In response, Mary recited the Magnificat, a powerful hymn of praise to God for his mercy and favor. While some historical interpretations suggested the song belonged to Elizabeth, most scholars and manuscripts identify it as the "Song of Mary," which remains a central part of liturgical vespers today.32