Magnificat

(Latin Magnificat anima mea Dominum, 'My soul magnifies the Lord') Song of the Virgin Mary, it is also referred to as the Canticle of Mary. Found in the Gospel of…

(Latin MagnificatMagnificat (Latin Magnificat anima mea Dominum, 'My soul magnifies the Lord') Song of the Virgin Mary, it is also referred to as the Canticle of Mary. Found in the Gospel of Luke (1:41-55), it expounds on the Virgin's Mary's joyful prayer in response to her cousin Elizabeth's greeting. Forming part of the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours), it is followed by the Gloria Patri ('Glory be'). Biblical text sung in worship. anima mea Dominum, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord’) Song of the Virgin MaryVirgin Mary Mother of Jesus and wife of Saint Joseph. She is believed to have conceived Jesus through the agency of the Holy Spirit alone, thus remaining a virgin. The Council of Ephesus (431) confirmed upon her the title of theotokos, 'godbearer'The account of Mary's life in the New Testament was amplified by apocryphal documents and doctrines concerning her person and role developed in succeeding centuries. Justin Martyr (d.c.165) contrasted Mary's obedience with the disobedience of Eve, but the assertion that Mary, like her son, had been immaculately conceived (i.e. free from original sin) was disputed throughout the Middle Ages. The Book of James (mid-2nd century) named her parents as Joachim and Anna and asserted her perpetual virginity. The belief that she did not die but was taken up bodily into heaven was celebrated in the Feast of the Assumption. Faith in Mary's powers as intercessor on behalf of sinful men and women was given fresh impetus by St Bernard (1090-1153) and she was popularly regarded as the Queen of Heaven.See also Joys and Sorrows of Mary. Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Purification (February 2); Annunciation (March 25); Assumption (August 15); Nativity (September 8); Conception (December 8)., it is also referred to as the Canticle of Mary. Found in the GospelGospel (Greek evangelion, Old English godspel 'good news') 1. The central message of the Christian faith concerning salvation. 2. Title given to the four New Testament books which describe the life of Christ i.e. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 3. A reading taken from one of the four Gospels which has the place of honour in the Eucharist of Luke (1:41-55), it expounds on the Virgin’s Mary’s joyful prayer in response to her cousin Elizabeth’s greeting. Forming part of the Divine OfficeDivine Office As outlined in the monastic Rules, the Office consisted of the Night Office (Matins) together with seven hours (times) of prayer during the day: Lauds (at dawn), Prime (first hour of the day), Terce (third hour), Sext (sixth hour), None (ninth hour), Vespers (at dusk), Compline (before bed). This pattern was inspired by the words of the Psalmist: 'I rose at midnight to give praise to thee... Seven times a day I have given praise to thee' Psalms 119 (Vul.118): 62, 164. The major component of these services was the singing of the Psalms. The Office is also known as the Opus Dei (Work of God). (Liturgy of the Hours), it is followed by the Gloria Patri (‘Glory be’). Biblical text sung in worshipWorship 1. Doing homage and giving honour and respect to God. The Bible includes a wide range of physical expression in worship, including bowing down, lifting hands, dancing, processions and singing. The main day on which Christians gather for communal worship is Sunday (the day when Christ is believed to have risen from the dead). 2. Christian liturgy including sung material and prayers of thanksgiving and praise..