What is the meaning of the Magnificat?
Definition of magnificat 1 capitalized. a : the canticle of the Virgin Mary in Luke 1:46–55. b : a musical setting for the Magnificat. 2 : an utterance of praise.
Why did Mary pray the Magnificat?
The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) is the Virgin Mary's response to Elizabeth's greeting, glorifying God and thanking Him for choosing her to bear His Son. It is used in Vespers, the Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours, the daily prayers of the Catholic Church.
What is the theology of Magnificat?
The God of the Magnificat is the God of salvation history, the God of the covenant. But who and what God is still remains a question. The God of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures is perceived in the Magnificat, but a universalism is expressed that holds God to be alive and well in other faiths also.
Does Magnificat mean magnify?
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. Magnificat – means to magnify, exalt, glorify – as we read in our translation.
What is Mary celebrating in her Magnificat?
She is saying that the Lord is great, and her spirit is rejoicing with the news that has come to her. Today, Mary's song is called The Magnificat, meaning “my soul magnifies the Lord” in Latin. It can be heard in Catholic services as well as Lutheran and Anglican.
What is Mary's favorite prayer?
Hail Holy Queen This prayer is a constant favorite among the prayers to Virgin Mary. It has long been a part of the the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church's official daily prayer. Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
What is Mary's special prayer?
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Did Mary say the Magnificat?
Go read the first chapter of Luke. Read the song, called the “Magnificat,” that Mary sings. “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
What is the Magnificat of Mary?
In short, the Magnificat is Mary's hymn of praise recorded in Luke 1:46–55 spoken in response to her cousin Elizabeth's greeting and blessing. Finding herself pregnant after the angel Gabriel's visit, Mary went to Elizabeth's house to see if Elizabeth was also pregnant like the angel had said. Elizabeth was visibly pregnant, being six months along ...
Why is Mary's poem called the Magnificat?
In this reply, Mary glorified God for blessing her and for His faithfulness to Israel.
What is Mary's response to the birth of Christ?
Mary's response is one of four hymns of praise recorded in Luke in response to the birth of Christ. The other three are Zechariah's Benedictus ( Luke 1:67–79 ), the angels' Gloria in Excelsis Deo ( Luke 2:13–14 ), and Simeon's Nunc Dimittis ( Luke 2:28–32 ).
Who was pregnant when Mary arrived?
Elizabeth was visibly pregnant, being six months along in her pregnancy with John the Baptist who leapt inside her womb when Mary arrived. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth exclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
The Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Scott P. Richert is senior content network manager of Our Sunday Visitor. He has written about Catholicism for outlets including Humanitas and Catholic Answers Magazine.
Definitions of Words Used in the Magnificat
Handmaid: a female servant, especially one attached to her master by affection
What is Mary's Magnificat song?
Mary’s song, also known as the Magnificat, is an inspiring piece of Scripture. Her words are profound in the face of what she was about to do. We don’t know what she was thinking regarding the pregnancy. We don’t have a written word that describes her fear of what others will think or how they will treat her.
What is the revolutionary magnificat?
This is a revolutionary example of praise given by a young girl who is carrying the one and only son of God.
What Is the Significance of Mary’s Song?
Are they not just words spoken in a moment of happiness? The truth is that her song speaks of who she is and how deep her faith is. In verses 46-47 she says, “My soul praises the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Mary’s faith is rooted in Jewish tradition. We can surmise that she has come from a devout Jewish family and she believes in the God of her ancestors .
What Is Mary Teaching Us with Her Song?
The global lessons are profound, but what Mary teaches us about our personal walk with Christ is even more powerful. The first thing that shines is how Mary had been what one pastor calls, “saturated with Scripture.” Her words allude to passages found in Psalms 22, 44, 103 and many others. She also alludes to Hannah’s song found in 1 Samuel. Just as Mary is, Hannah was singing a song of praise for the child God was giving her. Mary knew the Scriptures. She had them hidden in her heart and mind.
What does Mary say in verse 47?
In verse 47 Mary says “… my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”. She recognizes that God is her savior – meaning she recognizes she is a sinner. Mary recognizes who she is and where she comes from. She is not a person of prestige or from a wealthy family. Anyone could be a better choice than her.
Why is Mary called blessed?
In verse 49 Mary says that she will be called blessed because “the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy.”. She praises God for the mercy he bestows on all who will fear him.
What does the song "The Last Four Verses" mean?
In the last four verses of her song, she speaks of the wondrous things God has done for her ancestors, for her, and for all who will believe. Her recognition of the mighty deeds God has performed and the mercies He has given to the people of Israel is significant.
