The Magnificat has occupied an important place in the Liturgy of the Church since around the fourth century. The canticle is taken from the Gospel of Luke (1:46-55) where the events of the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth are recorded. Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist at the time, greeted Mary with the well known phrase "Blessed art thou amongst women, blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus". Mary responded with the canticle. Today the Magnificat is used during Vespers every evening. A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite it.
| MAGNIFICAT * anima mea Dominum,
et exultavit spiritus meus * in Deo salvatore meo,
quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae. *
Ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes,
| MY soul doth magnify * the Lord,
and my spirit hath rejoiced * in God my Savior.
For He hath regarded the humility of His handmaiden.*
For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call
| quia fecit mihi magna, qui potens est,*
et sanctum nomen eius,
et misericordia eius in progenies et progenies *
| For He that is mighty hath done great things to me, *
and holy is His Name.
And His Mercy is from generation unto generations *
upon them that fear Him.
| Fecit potentiam in brachio suo, *
dispersit superbos mente cordi sui;
deposuit potentes de sede *
et exaltavit humiles;
esurientes implevit bonis *
et divites dimisit inanes.
| He hath shewed might in His arm, *
He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, *
and hath exalted the humble.
He hath filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich He hath sent empty away.
| Suscepit Israel puerum suum, *
sicut locutus est ad patres nostros, *
Abraham et semini eius in saecula.
| He hath received Israel, His servant, *
being mindful of His mercy.
As He spoke to our Fathers, *
Abraham and his seed forever.