|
Dear Friends,
We begin this month with one final reminder of Christmas. The Feast of the Presentation, on February 2, celebrates a beautiful scene from the infancy of Jesus. Mary and Joseph bring the Christ Child to the Temple, where they are met by the hopeful yet somber prophecies of Simeon and the joyful expectation of Anna.
Like Mary and Joseph, we are amazed at what is said about Jesus. He amazes us with the joy he offers us. At other times he amazes us with the cross he shares with us, when our heart, like Mary’s, is pierced. But most of all he amazes us in that he always remains with us—through Christmas, through Lent (which begins this month), through every day of our lives. I pray that you may you know his faithful presence.
I’d like to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I have received from MAGNIFICAT subscribers—those I have met in person and those who have reached out in other ways. It’s a joy and an inspiration to hear of your love for this publication and how it serves your life of faith. I look forward to meeting more of you! I know I’ll meet many of you at the upcoming Cardinal Egan Lecture in NYC this April, at the Magnificat Day in Washington, D.C. this fall, and when I serve as a chaplain for the November MAGNIFICAT pilgrimage to Greece and Ephesus.
In Jesus and Mary, |
|
|
|
Rev. Philip Nolan, O.P. Editor-in-Chief |
|
|
|
Become a MAGNIFICAT ambassador. Share the following link with family and friends: www.magnificat.com/trial. It offers special trial subscriptions to our printed or digital edition. |
|
|
|
|
SAINT WHO?Saints Who Cared for the Sick |
|
|
This month’s saints became holy through their care for the sick, sharing in our Lord’s healing ministry. |
|
|
…and these great features |
|
|
|
| Holy Places by Anthony Esolen
Matteo Ricci’s tomb lies in a Beijing cemetery now part of the grounds of a Communist government facility. |
|
|
|
| She Pondered These Things in Her Heart by Elizabeth Hansen
The interruptions and unwelcome surprises of family life remind us that our life is not our own. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Great Conversion Stories by John Janaro
John Baptist Yi Byeok, one of the first Korean converts, was persecuted and may have died a martyr in 1785. |
|
|
|
| Our Life in Christ by Father Richard Veras
The ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday remind us that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Credible Witnesses by Heather King
Sigrid Undset entered the Church around the time she won the Nobel Prize for her historical novels about medieval Norway. |
|
|
|
| Our Lady of Lourdes by Anne Burleigh
A mother-in-law, born on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, lived a life marked by care of the sick. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| A Father’s Blessing by Trevor Sorensen
Family life is inevitably busy, but sometimes we must say “No” to busyness to say “Yes” to grace. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LECTIO DIVINAA Prayerful Reading of Sacred Scripture |
|
|
|
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The Gospel for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sunday, February 1, 2026) Matthew 5:1-12a |
|
|
|
|
|
| Cover Commentary
The Sermon on the Mount
Fra Angelico combines the best of Byzantine theological expression and French spiritual brilliance. |
|
| | The Sermon on the Mount (1437–1445, detail), Fra Angelico (c. 1400–1455), Convent San Marco, Florence. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Art Commentary
Presentation in the Temple
This illustration from a liturgical book fills the scene of the Presentation with rich liturgical imagery. |
|
|
|
Presentation in the Temple (c. 1030–1040), Anonymous (Regensburg), Getty Museum, Los Angeles. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For 10 days, join MAGNIFICAT Editor-in Chief Father Philip Nolan, O.P. to explore the world of the New Testament and the Acts of the Apostles, and feel it come alive. Journey to sites such as Ephesus, where the Blessed Mother lived; Thessaloniki, to whose residents Saint Paul wrote a letter of encouragement; Athens; and Central Greece. Sail to other memorable sites such as the ports of Mikonos and Patmos, where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hail Mary: Pondering the Mysteries of Love |
|
|
By Fathers Andrew Hofer, O.P., and Philip Nolan, O.P. |
|
|
A personal retreat that leads us to the fruit of Mary's womb |
|
|
|
Each chapter includes: Beautiful art and a Scripture passage A thought-provoking essay focused on a portion of the Hail Mary An invitation to recite the prayer slowly and thoughtfully in both praise and petition
|
|
| $19.95*
144 pages – 8 x 9.75 inches
*20% off the suggested retail price of $24.95 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Prayer Intentions
Following the example of the apostles gathered around Mary after the Resurrection, let us pray together united in faith. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
