The Magnificat

The Magnificat is a prayer of joy that reminds us of the role of Mary as the Mother of Christ, and her future role as mother of the Church. It incorporates the theme of her devotion to her son, and to the sons and daughters to follow for centuries onward. Mary becomes the source of strength to her son and a source of strength to us. Mary, in this prayer, fulfills the words of her son, "I will not leave you orphaned. I will be with you until the end of the world." It is a prayer of joy for all of us.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Canticle of Mary
Luke 1:46-55