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Prayers To Mary
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This
canticle, or song, is found in the Gospel of Luke 1:46-54. Many ancient
witnesses and modern critics attribute it to have said by Mary as she arrived at
the home of her cousin after learning from the angel that Elizabeth was with
child. Others attribute its creation to early Palestinian Christianity
because it was a suitable expression of the sentiments of Mary.
"When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe in her womb leapt. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth cried out, 'Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. . . .' And Mary responded. . . .
"My
soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
Because he
has regarded the lowliness of his handmaid;
for, behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed;
Because he
who is mighty has done great
things for me, and holy is his name;
And his
mercy is from generation to
generation on those who fear him.
He has
shown might with his arm,
he has scattered the proud in the conceit
of their heart.
He has put
down the mighty from their
thrones, and has exalted the lowly.
He has
filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has given help to Israel, his servant,
mindful of his mercy -
Even as he
spoke to our fathers -
to Abraham and to his posterity forever."