Catholic Saints – St. Elizabeth (Relative of Mary)

Augustine Institute Podcast
Date: November 5, 2025
Guests: Dr. Elizabeth Klein (Host), Dr. Michael Barber (Bible Scholar)

Overview:

This episode explores the biblical figure of St. Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist and relative of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Dr. Elizabeth Klein and Dr. Michael Barber delve into Elizabeth’s scriptural role, her relationship with Mary, themes of faith and motherhood, and her legacy in Catholic tradition—especially as the patron saint of pregnant women. Through in-depth discussion, they highlight the faith, humility, and significance of Elizabeth’s story for Catholics today.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to St. Elizabeth

[01:32] – [02:59]

• Elizabeth is first and foremost known from the Gospel of Luke, where she is called Mary’s “kinswoman” or cousin.
• She is the mother of John the Baptist and a “daughter of Aaron,” from the priestly line.
• Discussion on genealogical ambiguities: “We're not really clear on how Mary and Elizabeth are exactly related other than that they are kinswomen…” (Barber, 01:56)
• Elizabeth’s famous words from the Visitation are found in the Hail Mary: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Barber, 02:43)

2. Faithfulness and the Naming of John

[03:33] – [06:42]

• Elizabeth’s barrenness and miraculous pregnancy underscore her faith.
• The birth and naming of John: Elizabeth defies cultural norms, insisting on her son’s divinely appointed name.
  • Quote: “His mother said, no, no, he is to be called John... it's really beautiful here in the story... Elizabeth and Zechariah are standing together in faithfulness.” (Barber, 05:27)
• Parallels between Zechariah-Elizabeth and Joseph-Mary in naming, and the significance of names in salvation history.

3. Trust and Mutual Faith in Marriage

[06:42] – [08:10]

• Elizabeth’s belief in Zechariah’s account of the angel’s message, despite his muteness.
• Notable quote from the Visitation:
  • “Why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?... blessed is she who believed that there would be fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” (Barber, paraphrasing Luke, 08:13)
• The interplay between doubt (Zechariah) and faith (Elizabeth, Mary).

4. Female Prophets, Pregnancy, and Spiritual Symbolism

[09:21] – [11:33]

• Both Mary and Elizabeth accept difficult, even dangerous pregnancies in faith—typological of the suffering and sacrifice wrapped up in salvation.
  • Quote: “When you get pregnant in the ancient world, you're already accepting death on behalf of the child.” (Klein, 10:41)
• Jesus likens the Cross to labor, highlighting women’s experiences as spiritually foundational.

5. Public Recognition and the Ripples of Divine Intervention

[11:33] – [14:13]

• The miraculous circumstances of John’s birth draw communal attention, increasing the sense of responsibility and faith-testing for Elizabeth and Zechariah.
  • Quote: “Imagine the added pressure of everyone watching out... I think every parent feels the stress of raising their child... but imagine the added pressure...” (Barber, 11:54)
• The episode reflects on how God “disrupts” ordinary family life to initiate wide-reaching change.

6. St. Elizabeth’s Legacy and Patronage

[14:13] – [16:42]

• While not central in folk devotion, Elizabeth’s words live on at the heart of the Hail Mary.
• Elizabeth as a model for receiving and mediating God’s promises through family and faith.
• She is acknowledged as the patron saint of pregnant women. (Barber, 16:42)

7. Lessons and Takeaways for Today

[16:46] – [18:53]

• Practical devotions: praying to Elizabeth for “difficult pregnancies,” for “a good midwife,” or familial support.
  • Memorable moment: “Mary had angels for her midwives, but Elizabeth had Mary for hers... that's almost as good or even better than an angel.” (Klein, 17:37)
• Elizabeth’s faith is a model:
  • Quote: “Elizabeth believes what was fulfilled, what the Lord has spoken will be fulfilled... How can we ask for the gift of faith to believe in the fulfillment of those promises?” (Barber, 17:56)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Elizabeth’s faith and “blessing”:
  • “What we do know is that Elizabeth is a very faithful woman.” (Barber, 04:20)
• On the communal impact of her story:
  • “All the people pondered what had happened... That's got to be a very difficult place.” (Barber, 12:19)
• On divine disruption:
  • “God usually works through the small, obscure people first, disrupts first a family... and then through those saints, the Church.” (Klein, 13:06)
• On Elizabeth as patron:
  • “She is the patron saint of pregnant women, as you might expect.” (Barber, 16:42)
• On the nature of faith:
  • “Elizabeth believes what was fulfilled, what the Lord has spoken will be fulfilled.” (Barber, 17:56)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:32] – Introduction to Elizabeth in Scripture
• [03:33] – Miracle of Elizabeth’s pregnancy
• [05:17] – Naming of John; faith in family
• [08:13] – The Visitation: “Blessed is she who believed...”
• [10:41] – Reflection on labor and the cross
• [11:54] – Social impact of John’s birth
• [13:06] – God’s preference for humble beginnings
• [14:13] – Elizabeth’s legacy and the Hail Mary
• [16:42] – Patronage and prayers to St. Elizabeth
• [17:56] – Final takeaway: the challenge of faith

Conclusion & Reflection

The episode ends with a call to meditate on Elizabeth’s profound belief: that God’s promises will be fulfilled, even—especially—in the ordinary and difficult moments of life. She stands as a model of faith, trust, and humility for all Christians, especially those facing uncertainty or hardship in their vocations.

St. Elizabeth, pray for us.