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Dear Friends,
As you may have seen by now, this is my last issue in the role of editor-in-chief. As I’m sure you have experienced many times throughout your life, the old saying that time flies proves itself true again and again. I can hardly believe that it has been seven years.
I have loved being involved with MAGNIFICAT. It has been a great privilege to work with a talented staff, to meet many faithful readers wherever I go, and to carefully choose the meditations that appeared in the pages of MAGNIFICAT, among the many other tasks that fall to the editor. But I also know that it is important to recognize the right time to step away from a task or a job like this. With my other responsibilities as a Dominican friar and priest, I believe this is the right time, and that MAGNIFICAT will only benefit from Father Philip Nolan’s sharp editorial skills and prayerful approach to the job.
As I mentioned in the opening letter of the print edition, I will still be part of the MAGNIFICAT family, helping out with some projects. And hopefully, I will be able to lead another pilgrimage as well. Those have been a wonderful opportunity to meet and pray with subscribers, so do consider going on one!
In any case, please do keep me in your prayers, and know that I will continue to pray for you.
May God bless you and keep you, |
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Rev. Sebastian White, O.P. Editor-in-Chief |
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SAINT WHO?Saints Who Achieved Sanctity Young |
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This month’s saints achieved a high level of sanctity from an early age. |
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…and these great features |
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| Holy Places by Anthony Esolen
A sanctuary in Greccio marks the spot where Saint Francis of Assisi fashioned the first Christmas crèche. |
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| She Pondered These Things in Her Heart by Catherine Cavadini
A family finds that sleeping in the same room provides a foretaste of our rest together in heaven in God’s love. |
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| Great Conversion Stories by John Janaro
Edwin Mortimer Standing’s work with Maria Montessori led him to the Church, and he helped to bring her method of education to the English-speaking world. |
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| Our Life in Christ by Father Richard Veras
During the Christmas octave, we celebrate the Feast of Saint John the Apostle, who passionately proclaimed the Incarnation. |
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| Credible Witnesses by Heather King
Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro shared spiritual counsel while dying from a rare disease of the nervous system. |
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| Essay: The Nativity of the Lord by Jennifer Hubbard
The radiant stillness of the manger reminds us that it is the humble to whom God draws near. |
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| A Father’s Blessing by Paul Senz
God is happy to receive our insignificant gifts if they come from a loving and childlike heart. |
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| Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope by Father Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.
The theological virtue of hope protects us from relying upon ourselves in the battle for our salvation. |
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LECTIO DIVINAA Prayerful Reading of Sacred Scripture |
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“Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.”
The Gospel for the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (Sunday, December 28, 2025) Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 |
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| Cover Commentary
The Immaculate Conception
Brother Juan’s painting commemorates Pope Paul V’s promotion of the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. |
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| | The Immaculate Conception (c. 1617–1618), Fray Juan Sánchez Cotán (1560–1627), Museum of Fine Arts, Granada, Spain. |
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Art Commentary
Adoration of the Shepherds
In this altarpiece, Ghirlandaio depicts Our Lady in the elegant style of Botticelli. |
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Adoration of the Shepherds (1485), Domenico Ghirlandaio (1449–1494), Sassetti Chapel, Santa Trinita Church, Florence. |
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Offer a Gift Subscription to MAGNIFICAT |
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Help friends and family spend more time with Jesus, his Blessed Mother, and his Church.
Great rates for multiple gift subscriptions as low as $37 |
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| | Subscriptions processed in December will begin with the February 2026 issue. Offer valid only within the USA.
MAGNIFICAT gift subscription regular edition: first is $52, second is $42, and any additional are $37. MAGNIFICAT gift subscription large print edition: first is $69, second is $59, and any additional are $54. |
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Two magazines for children to encourage love of God and wonder at his works |
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| Prepare children ages 6-12 to follow each Sunday liturgy with an engaging, colorful missalette.
Great rates for multiple gift subscriptions as low as $29.90* |
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| Introduce the marvels of the world to young readers ages 7–12 through stories, interviews, comics, art, crafts, and more!
Great rates for multiple gift subscriptions as low as $19** |
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Offer valid only within the USA.
*MagnifiKid gift subscription: first is $39, and any additional are $29.90. Subscriptions processed in December will begin with the February 2026 issue. **Magnifier gift subscription: first is $29, second is $24, and any additional are $19. Subscriptions processed in December will begin with the January/February 2026 issue. |
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| Prayer to Saint Michael
Saint Michael Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil…
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