Antiphona ad Magnificat (II Vesperis)

This antiphon blesses Mary's womb: 'Beata viscera Mariae Virginis, quae portaverunt aeterni Patris Filium' (blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the eternal Father). The 'viscera' (womb, innards) emphasizes the physical reality of the Incarnation against Docetism: Christ truly dwelt in Mary's body. The phrase 'aeterni Patris Filium' (Son of the eternal Father) affirms Christ's divine nature: Mary bore not a mere man but the eternal Son. At Second Vespers, this antiphon concludes the feast by blessing the physical site of the Incarnation.