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.
The Magnificat is Mary’s song of joy during her visit to her cousin Elizabeth. At Lourdes, where Mary appeared smiling, this prayer resonates particularly strongly.
All about the Magnificat
When to pray the Magnificat?
During evening prayer (Vespers), or after communion, to give thanks for the wonders of God.
What is the meaning of this canticle?
It is the revolutionary prayer of the humble. Mary sings of the reversal of the world’s values: God lifts up the lowly and brings down the proud.
Who is this prayer for?
For the “humble of heart”, the poor in spirit, and all those who want to praise God for his action in their lives.