Magnificat (Mary's Canticle)

Lyrics

REFRAIN
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.
My spirit rejoices in God, my Savior,
For he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.

From this day all generations will call me blessed.
The Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his name. (REFRAIN)

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm and scattered all the proud. (REFRAIN)

He has cast the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away. (REFRAIN)

He has helped his servant Israel and recalled his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to Abraham and all his children forever. (REFRAIN)

Information

Words and music by Manoling Francisco, SJ
Arrangement by Norman Agatep

The musical setting of this Gospel Canticle is a paraphrase of Luke 1:46-47. The Magnificat is perhaps the best-loved of the New Testament Canticles. Found in Luke 1, this piece of inspired poetry has strong parallels with the song sung by Hannah (1 Samuel 2: 1-10), and was probably based on it. 

Two major themes spring from the text: God's favor falls especially upon the poor and unfavored, not the rich and powerful; God's gracious design for humankind is focused in the history of the descendants of Abraham, our father in faith. 

The text of the Magnificat appears as the Responsorial Psalm for the Third Sunday of Advent of Cycle/Year B. It is also read as an integral part of the Gospel on occasions particularly on August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption and on May 31,the Feast of the Visitation and during the season of Advent on December 22.

Specific verses from chapter 1 of the Gospel according to Saint Luke are Communion Antiphons on: 

December 22 is from Luke 1: 46, 49 - "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, for the almighty has done great things for me." 

Luke 1: 48-49 - "All generations will call me blessed, for the almighty has done great things for me holy is his name." is assigned on May 31, the Feast of the Visitation; August 15, the Mass during the Day on the Solemnity of the Assumption and for the 2nd and 3rd form of the Common of the Blessed Virgin. 

The Magnificat is recommended as a Song of Thanksgiving after the Post-Communion Prayer before the Blessing and Dismissal or as a Recessional Song on: 

Solemnities of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 
During the Advent Season: 

  • December 8

Immaculate Conception During the Christmas Season: 

  • January 1

Mary Mother of God or Divine Motherhood/Maternity During the Ordinary Time: 

  • August 15

Assumption of Mary Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 

  • May 31, Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth 
  • September 8

Nativity of Mary Memorials of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 

  • February 11, Our Lady of Lourdes 
  • May 13, Our Lady of Fatima 
  • Saturday after the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Immaculate Heart of Mary 
  • July 16, Our Lady of Mount Carmel 
  • August 22, Queenship of Mary 
  • September 12, Holy Name of Mary 
  • September 15, Our Lady of Sorrows 
  • October 7, Our Lady of the Rosary 
  • November 21, Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 
  • December 12, Our Lady of Guadalupe And on other local Solemnities

Feasts and Memorials of the Blessed Mother which are not in the General Roman Calendar. 

In the Liturgy of the Hours, the Magnificat holds pride of place as the Gospel Canticle for Vespers and is sung every day. The singing of the Canticle of Mary, corresponds to the tradition of honoring Mary in the evening.