Antiphona ad Magnificat (II Vesperis)

From Luke 1:48, Mary's own words in the Magnificat: 'Beatam me dicent omnes generationes' (all generations shall call me blessed). This verse from Scripture's only Marian hymn grounds Marian devotion in divine revelation. The phrase 'quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est' (because he who is mighty hath done great things to me) attributes Mary's blessedness not to her own merit but to God's action. At Second Vespers, this antiphon connects the Lourdes apparition to the biblical Magnificat sung moments later: Mary's prophecy of universal veneration finds fulfillment in the millions who have since processed to her grotto.