Visitation

Visitation :: beth1631_ws

• dolomite stone and resin
• handcrafted in France
• 8.25 x 6.75 inches
• Symbol of Christian friendship and holy community

Luke 1:39-56
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

The Monastère de Bethléem (Monastery Community of Bethlehem) was founded in 1950. The first oratory was established in a stable in southern France which called to mind the humble birthplace of the infant Jesus where the Virgin and St. Joseph adored Him as the Messiah, the Son of God. This is why the Sisters named their new monastery Bethléem. The Sisters have chosen the Gospel, silence, and solitude as their spiritual focus. St. Bruno of Cologne is their spiritual father who imparts to them his wisdom of life. In order to support themselves, the Sisters began creating sacred art which rings with historical authenticity and profound symbolic meaning. The Sisters use local dolomite stone to cast their sculptures, pendants, and world-famous creches. All pieces are individually hand finished by the Sisters. All of their creative artwork radiates a serene and holy beauty.