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Once again, I will begin by telling you that the verses we are studying today “The Magnificat” from the Gospel of Luke (1:46-55), are among my favorite.As regular readers of this Bible study series know, I have many favorites in the Old and New Testaments. However, The Magnificat (also referred to as “Mary’s Song”) is distinct because my husband and I recite it every night as part of our prayers. Perhaps its familiarity makes it more endearing? Yes, of course. But years ago the reason I suggested including it in our nightly prayers was because I loved the “voice” of...

Catholic Prayer: Christmas Novena - December 16 - 24 Description:A Christmas novena is usually prayed, starting nine days before Christmas. The following novena was composed by an Italian priest, Rev. Charles Vachetta, C.M., in 1721. Most of the material comes from the Old Testament prophecies and the Psalms referring to the promised Redeemer. The novena consists of Opening Responsory Prayers, Psalm (Let the Heavens Be Glad), Scripture Reading, Magnificat with Daily Antiphon and Closing Prayer. This novena is prayed in conjunction with the O Antiphons, and if you are using an O Antiphon House or Tower, you would open the...

The Magnificat is a Bold Prayer!By: Msgr. Charles Pope I pray you might indulge me a little speculation that cuts against the usual “visuals” surrounding the Magnificat. And , if what I say does not please your sensibilities I ask pardon now, and once again your indulgence.In our western culture we tend to think of Mary in very soft focus, humbly praying, head bowed, quiet and almost shy in her demeanor. And this may all be true. But as I read Mary’s prayer, the Magnificat day after day, and as I read it today’s Gospel, I cannot help but...

Listening To Mary’s Voice – Part 4 (The Magnificat) Feb 6th, 2012by Gary Zimak. As we continue our look at Mary’s words in the Bible, the scene shifts from Mary’s encounter with Gabriel (the Annunciation) and moves to her visit with Elizabeth (the Visitation).  After traveling in haste to be with her pregnant relative, Mary is greeted with the words:“Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.  And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached...

Listening To Mary’s Voice – Part 2 (Humility) Jan 23rd, 2012by Gary Zimak.  As we continue with Part 2 of a 7 Part series on Mary’s words in Scripture, I’ll be taking a look at a powerful statement made by Mary to the angel Gabriel.  Last time we focused on Mary’s question to the angel after learning that she had been chosen to be the mother of the Savior.  Having made a vow of virginity, Mary was confused as to how God’s will could be fulfilled.  She didn’t doubt that it could happen (unlike Zechariah, who flat out didn’t believe...

Full Title: Mary's Magnificat: Beautiful and Theologically Profound, Our Conversation with Dr. Phil Ryken In The Incarnation in the Gospels (P&R Publishing, October 2008) coauthor Philip G. Ryken calls Mary’s Magnificat the first of four nativity hymns in Luke’s Gospel. The other hymns, he tells readers, are Zechariah’s Benedictus, the angels’ Gloria, and Simeon’s Nunc Dimittis. Quoting author and theologian Graham Scroggie, Ryken identifies these songs as “the last of the Hebrew psalms, and the first of the Christian hymns.” They appear only in Luke because, Ryken suggests, Luke understood that “the gospel is and must be a musical.” It...

“Luke’s Lead-up to Christmas: The Visitation and the Song of Mary, the Magnificat” (Luke 1:39-56)This Advent, during our three midweek services and now on this, the Fourth Sunday in Advent, we’re working our way through Luke chapter one, on our way to the Christmas Gospel in Luke chapter two. We’re calling this series “Luke’s Lead-up to Christmas,” and so far we’re looked at: “The Annunciation of St. John the Baptist” to Zechariah; “The Annunciation of Our Lord” to Mary; and “The Nativity of St. John the Baptist and the Song of Zechariah, the Benedictus.” Now today we take up the...

The Prayer of the Virgin MaryThe Magnificat - The Canticle of Mary Annunciation Fra Angelico - fresco from San Marco, Florence (detail)   About the MagnificatThe Magnificat [Latin: magnifies], also called the Canticle of Mary, is recorded in the Gospel of Luke (1:46-55). It is the Virgin Mary's joyous prayer in response to her cousin Elizabeth's greeting (Luke 1: 41-45). This great hymn forms part of the Church's prayer in the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours). When it is recited as part of the Divine Office, it is followed by the Gloria Patri ("Glory be"). The traditional sung Magnificat...

MARY SINGS THE PRAISES OF GOD’S MERCY Pope John Paul II In the ‘Magnificat’, the Blessed Virgin proclaims the greatness of God who called her, his humble handmaid, to be the Mother of his Incarnate SonAt the General Audience of Wednesday, 6 November, the Holy Father returned to his catechesis on the Virgin Mary with a reflection on her song known as the Magnificat. "With her wise reading of history, Mary leads us to discover the criteria of God's mysterious action. Overturning the judgements of the world, he comes to the aid of the poor and lowly", the Pope...

HYMN Remember, Lord, the fallen Who died in fields of war, In flaming clouds, in screaming crowds, On streets that are no more, That we today might waken And greet this day in peace With grateful prayer for those who bear The storms that never cease. Remember friends and strangers, And those forgotten now, Whose names are known to You alone, Before whose love we bow And ask that You surround them With mercy's endless light That they may live, and we forgive The foe they went to fight. Remember, Lord, the living, Who bear the pain of loss --...

Commentary on the Magnificat"The Lord Places Himself on the Side of the Least"VATICAN CITY, FEB. 15, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave at today's general audience, which he dedicated to comment on the Magnificat, the canticle in Luke 1:46-55. With this address, he concluded the cycle of catecheses on the Psalms and biblical canticles begun by Pope John Paul II in 2001. * * * Dear Brothers and Sisters: 1. We have come to the end of the long itinerary begun exactly five years ago by my beloved predecessor, the unforgettable Pope John Paul...

Story of the little prayer book that could Go to any Catholic venue in the United States - parish church, retreat center, convent, high school, college chaplaincy, retirement community - and you'll find it. You can also see it being used on planes and trains, buses and subways. On at least one occasion I saw it in the front seat of a cab. What is "it?" It's Magnificat, the monthly missal/prayer book that's an astonishing success story - and, just perhaps, a sign of real progress in the reform of the reform of the liturgy. Magnificat was the inspiration of...