The Magnificat
Canticle of Mary
The Magnificat has occupied an important place in the Liturgy of the Church since around the fourth century. The canticle is taken from the Gospel of Luke (1:46-55) where the events of the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth are recorded. Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist at the time, greeted Mary with the well known phrase "Blessed art thou amongst women, blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus". Mary responded with the canticle.
My soul does magnify the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the humility of His handmaiden.
For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He that is mighty has done great things to me, and holy is His Name.
And His Mercy is from generation unto generation upon them that fear Him.
He has shown strength with His arm.
He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He has put down the mighty from their seat, and has exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;
As He spoke to our Fathers, Abraham, and his seed forever.
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