THE MAGNIFICAT / by Joe Castorino

Inspired by the St. John’s Bible at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City

O Madonnina, I am saddened

That I don’t see your beauty

In this wondrous cathedral;

Yes, there is a very nice statue

Of you, in The Lady’s Chapel,

But I am searching for something

That will touch my heart more deeply;

I visit the church day after day

For very close to a week

Before I finally discover you

In an unexpected way:

You are hidden,

Like a sparkling diamond,

On the colorful pages of

The St. John’s Bible, which is

Opened to the humble words

Of your inspiring Magnificat;

I look down, and against

A sea of majestic royal blue

Your glorious gold words

Dazzle my imagination,

And bring me sweet delight;

As I see you in my mind’s eye,

My heart happily swells

With tears of holy love,

And the fruit of the Spirit

Fills the sails of my soul;

Through your silent words,

You confirm my mission:

Giving great glory to God

Through “The Little Way of Love”;

By the power of Divine Mercy,

Yes, my life is born again!