Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist

Portrait of Élisabeth by Lorenzo Ferri, based on Maria Valtorta's indications. Source: documentary collection of the Maria Valtorta Heritage Foundation.

Genealogical tree of Jesus

Cousin of the Virgin Mary, this Judean woman is married to Zacharias, a priest of the Temple with whom she resides in Hebron.

Sterile, she becomes mother of John the Baptist in her old age, for "nothing is impossible for God". She exults with joy at the birth of John the Baptist:

"I have had the greatest joy a woman can possibly have. The joy which I was no longer expecting to have [...]"

She hosts in Hebron her cousin Mary recently pregnant by the action of The Holy Spirit. She herself, under this same impulse, recites the first The "Hail Mary" (Ave Maria) in history, which will later be completed by Zacharias, her husband.

Character and Appearance

"a woman of fearless faith and confident submission to God’s will [...]"

Her Name

Greek transcription of "Élichéba". Élichéba (Elischéba, Elishéba, Eliséba) means "God of the oath" - Historical reference: the wife of Aaron, the elder brother of Moses.

Where Is She Mentioned in the Work?

GRM 6 GRM 8 GRM 9 GRM 13 GRM 14 GRM 16 GRM 18 GRM 21 GRM 22

GRM 23 GRM 23 GRM 24 GRM 25 GRM 30 GRM 31 GRM 43 GRM 45 GRM 77

GRM 577