My soul proclaims your greatness, O my God,
and my spirit has rejoiced in your my Saviour;
For you have regarded me as your holy handmaid;
henceforth all generations shall call me blessed;
For you who are mighty, have done great things for me,
and Holy is your Name;
Your mercy is on those who fear you throughout all generations.
You have showed strength with your arm.
You have scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
You have put down the mighty from their seat,
and have lifted up the powerless.
You have filled the hungry with good things,
and have sent the rich away empty.
Remembering your mercy,
You have helped your people Israel –
As you promised Abraham and Sarah.
Mercy to their children forever.
Where did this prayer come from? Canticle of Mary
The Canticle of Mary, also known as the Magnificat, is one of the most ancient hymns of the Christian faith. It is a prayer that is said or sung in the Liturgy of the Hours, as well as during the Rosary, and is a beloved part of Catholic devotions to the Virgin Mary.
The Magnificat is found in the Gospel of Luke, where it is a prayer of praise and thanksgiving that Mary speaks after the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel told her that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus. It is a powerful expression of Mary’s faith in God and her joy at being chosen to be the mother of the Savior.
The Magnificat has been a source of inspiration to Catholics throughout the centuries. It has been set to music by many great composers, including J.S. Bach, Franz Schubert, and Antonio Vivaldi. It has also been the subject of countless works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and stained glass windows.
In the early days of the Christian Church, the Magnificat was recited as part of the evening prayer service. Over time, it became a regular part of the Liturgy of the Hours, which is the official prayer of the Church. Today, Catholics around the world continue to recite this beautiful prayer as a way to honor the Virgin Mary and to express their faith in God’s mercy and grace.