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 EventAccording 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 CarimTwo 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 PlaceAin 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)*