What is Mary's Magnificat?
At very special moments in the Scriptures people sometimes break into a "song" or a canticle. One of the most important events in the Christian Bible is the incarnation of Christ, which began with Mary's virginal conception of Jesus Christ. It is during her pregnancy with Jesus that she sings one of the most beautiful songs in the Bible called the "Magnificat."
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Location in the Bible
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The Magnificat is located in the first chapter of the gospel of Luke in verses 46 to 55. The context is that Mary is visiting her sister, Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. When Mary comes close, Elizabeth feels John leap for joy inside of her. It is at this time that Mary breaks into her song.
Meaning of the Title
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The word "Magnificat" is simply the present active third person singular indicative form of the Latin word for "magnify." "Magnificat" is the first word of the song in the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible. The next words are the words for "my soul" and "the Lord." So, the first line reads, "My soul magnifies the Lord."
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Purpose
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The song, like two others in the first two chapters of Luke, is a song of praise. Mary is thanking God for the special gift He has given her in being the mother of the Savior and for bringing to fulfillment the prophecies contained in the Old Testament. As is typical in these Biblical songs, she sings to God about his character of mercy and faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants, the Jews.
Usage
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The Magnificat is used in the daily prayer of the Roman Catholic Church called the Liturgy of the Hours. Vespers is the evening prayer, and the Magnificat is prayed daily as part of that devotion. The Magnificat is also used sometimes in the regular liturgy of the mass or in a special ceremony.
Musical Settings
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This particular hymn has been set to music probably more than any other liturgical hymn. Catholics and Anglicans alike have set this hymn to music and use it quite often in prayers and liturgies. The musical settings range from ordinary chants to songs to songs that are accompanied by a full orchestra.
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