At her visitation to the house of Elizabeth and Zechariah, the Blessed Virgin Mary prophesied that all generations would call her “blessed” (Lk 1:48). This prophecy has been proven true. Throughout the history of the Church, she has been called the “Blessed Mother.” Likewise, she is called the “Blessed Virgin Mary” in the Eucharistic Prayers II, III, and IV of the Mass.

In the Hail Mary prayer, we likewise fulfill this prophecy by praying the words of Elizabeth: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the Fruit of your womb” (see Lk 1:42). Surely many millions of times each day throughout the world, Mary is called blessed by each generation in countless rosaries (Lk 1:48).

Elizabeth called Mary blessed a second time: “Blest is she who trusted that the Lord’s words to her would be fulfilled” (Lk 1:45). Jesus also fulfilled Mary’s prophecy when He called her blessed because she heard the Word of God and obeyed it (Lk 11:28). In her Magnificat, which is quoted in today’s Gospel, Mary acknowledges that God has greatly blessed her, and promptly redirects the focus to God Himself. She proclaims the greatness of God, rejoices in Him, and praises His mercy and righteousness (Lk 1:46-55).

Imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary. Use your every blessing to proclaim “the greatness of the Lord” (Lk 1:46).

Rescript:  In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1, 2022, through January 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.