The Magnificat

Mary's canticle of praise at the Visitation — the great prayer of the Month of Mary

The Magnificat is Mary's song of praise from Luke 1, spoken at the Visitation to her cousin Elizabeth: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. It praises God for lifting the lowly and filling the hungry. The Church prays it every evening in Vespers. It is a prayer of gratitude and hope, and it is especially fitting during May, Advent and on the feast of the Visitation. The song is often called the most revolutionary hymn in the Bible because it turns human expectations upside down. Reading it slowly can give you courage to hope for the poor and for yourself.

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The Magnificat

My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
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,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.

(Luke 1:46-55)

Frequently asked questions

When should I pray the Magnificat?

Pray it in the evening, on Marian feasts and in times of thanksgiving.

How do I pray the Magnificat?

Read it aloud slowly, or sing it if you know a setting.

Who is the Magnificat for?

Anyone who wants to thank God, and mothers and expectant mothers.

Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play