Mary’s Magnificat

Following the angel Gabriel’s announcement of Jesus’ forthcoming birth to Mary, the Gospel of Luke presents Mary’s journey to a remote town in the Judean hills to visit her cousin Elizabeth.

The visit of Mary to the home of her cousin is the first meeting of their unborn sons. Elizabeth’s son, John, leaps in his mother’s womb, enabling Elizabeth to realize that the child Mary is carrying is no ordinary child. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth blesses Mary with the words, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Luke 1:42).

Elizabeth’s words to Mary are followed by Mary’s Canticle, the Magnificat. In that beautiful prayer of thanks and praise, Mary uses the ancient words of Hannah, a woman of great courage in the Old Testament, to bless God for the great things he has done for her.


Family Activity

	Remember Mary in your everyday life and join in her praise to God with your own Magnificat.

	•		Together, rewrite the prayer of praise from Luke 1:46-55 on decorative paper and frame it.
	•		Discuss the many ways to praise God as Mary did.
	•		Talk about how Mary was a mother to Jesus. List her qualities as a mother. How can she be present daily?
	•		If possible visit a statue, painting, or stained glass window of Mary. Pray asking Mary always to watch over and provide protection to your family.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.