Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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VISITATION, FEAST OF THE

Annual commemoration of Mary's visit to her kinswoman Elizabeth. First celebrated by the Franciscans in 1263 at the initiative of St. Bonaventure. Then, during the Western Schism, it was extended to the whole Church by Popes Urban VI (reigned 1378-89) and Boniface IX (reigned 1389-1404) to obtain an end to the schism. The feast is now celebrated on May 31.