Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist — Mary visited her after the angel Gabriel announced to her that she would bear Jesus. Zechariah was her husband and a priest in Jerusalem.

As depicted in this stained glass window from the Basilica, an angel visited Zechariah in an incense-filled vision when he was in the temple. The angel told him that Elizabeth, who was well beyond child-bearing years, would have a son and they should name him John.

Zechariah doubted the news and the angel struck him mute. When their child was born, he was consulted as to what name their son should be given. When he wrote on a slate that the boy shall be called John, his speech was restored.

Elizabeth is the patron of pregnant women. Relics of both Elizabeth and Zechariah rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica, as does a piece of the house they lived in.

Saints Elizabeth and Zechariah, parents of John the Baptist who prepared the way of the Lord—pray for us!