The "Canticle of Mary" or "Magnificat"
is sung in the celebration of Evening Prayer each day
The text is taken from the Gospel according to Saint
Luke 1:46-55.
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.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His Name.
He has mercy on those who fear Him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of His arm,
He has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of His servant Israel
for He remembered His promise of mercy,
the promise He made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Mary Help of Christians
Most Holy and Immaculate Virgin, Help of the Christians,
we place ourselves under your motherly protection. Throughout the Church's
history you have helped Christians in times of trial, temptation and
danger. Time and time again, you have proven to be the Refuge of sinners,
the Hope of the hopeless, the Consoler of the afflicted, and the Comforter
of the Dying. We promise to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, your
Son, to proclaim His Good News of God's love for all people, and to work
for peace and justice in our world. With faith in your intercession, we
pray for the Church, for our family and friends, for the poor and
abandoned, and all the dying. Grant, O Mary, Help of Christians, the
graces of which we stand in need. (Mention your intentions.) May we serve
Jesus with fidelity and love until death. Help us and our loved ones to
attain the boundless joy of being forever with our Father in heaven. Amen.
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us