Magnificat is a daily Catholic prayer and reflection magazine available by subscription
Magnificat is a monthly Catholic publication that combines daily Scripture readings, prayers, and spiritual reflections. It arrives as a small hardbound booklet designed to fit in a pocket or bag, and each issue covers one calendar month. The magazine is published by the Magnificat company, which also produces a companion publication called Magnificat Kids for children.
The subscription is not free. You pay a recurring monthly or annual fee, and the publisher mails physical copies to your address. There is also a digital version available through their app and website for subscribers. The magazine is primarily used by Catholics who want structured daily prayer material, but it is sold to anyone who wants to purchase it.
Key Takeaways
- Magnificat subscriptions cost between $40 and $80 per year depending on whether you choose monthly or annual billing and your location.
- The physical magazine arrives by mail each month and includes daily Scripture readings, prayers, and reflections for every day of that month.
- Digital access through the Magnificat app or website is included with a print subscription at no extra cost.
- You can pause, resume, or cancel your subscription at any time through your account on the Magnificat website.
- The company offers discounts for bulk orders if you want to purchase copies for a parish, school, or group.
Subscription pricing and billing options
Magnificat offers both monthly and annual subscription plans. Monthly billing costs more per issue than paying annually upfront, which is typical for most subscriptions. Annual subscriptions are cheaper overall but require you to commit to a full year of payments at once.
Pricing varies slightly by country and region because of shipping costs. Within the United States, annual subscriptions are generally less expensive than paying month-to-month. The company also runs promotional offers at certain times of year, particularly around the Christmas and Easter seasons, where they may discount the annual rate or offer a reduced first month.
You can view current pricing on the Magnificat website before you commit. The site displays the exact cost for your region and lets you choose between monthly and annual payment before entering payment information.
What comes in each issue and how delivery works
Each Magnificat booklet is about the size of a small paperback book and contains material for one full calendar month. Inside you will find the daily Mass readings from the Roman Catholic liturgy, a short reflection or meditation for each day, prayers, and sometimes artwork or photographs. The booklet is printed on quality paper and designed to be durable enough for daily handling.
Magazines arrive by standard mail, typically in the last week of the month before the issue is dated for. So the December issue usually arrives in late November. Delivery time depends on your location within the United States or internationally. International subscriptions take longer and may cost more.
If you do not receive an issue, you can contact Magnificat customer service through their website to report it. They keep records of what has been mailed and can investigate or resend a copy if needed.
Digital access included with print subscriptions
When you subscribe to the print edition, you also get access to the Magnificat app and website. You can log in with your subscription account and read the current month's content on your phone, tablet, or computer. This means you have both a physical copy and a digital one available at the same time.
The app works offline, so you can download the current month and read it without an internet connection. This is useful if you travel or want to read during times when you do not have cell service. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Some people use the digital version as their primary way to read Magnificat and keep the print copy as a backup or for times when they prefer a physical book. Others do the opposite. Both options are included in your subscription cost.
How to start, pause, or cancel a subscription
To start a subscription, visit the Magnificat website and select the subscription option you want. You will enter your mailing address, choose your billing frequency, and provide payment information. Your first issue will arrive within a few weeks, depending on when you order relative to the publication schedule.
If you need to pause your subscription temporarily — for example, if you are traveling or going through a period where you do not have time to read — you can pause it through your account settings. This stops charges from occurring but keeps your account active so you can resume later without signing up again.
To cancel, log into your account on the Magnificat website and select the cancel option. You will not be charged for future months, though you will keep access to any issues you have already paid for. The company does not require you to provide a reason for canceling, and there are no cancellation fees.
Magnificat Kids and other related products
The Magnificat company also publishes Magnificat Kids, which is designed for children ages 4 to 8. It uses simpler language and shorter reflections, with illustrations throughout. It follows the same daily format as the adult version but is age-appropriate. Magnificat Kids is sold as a separate subscription with its own pricing.
For older children and teens, there is Magnificat Junior, aimed at ages 8 to 12. It bridges the gap between the children's and adult versions with slightly more complex reflections and different artwork.
The company also sells single issues, gift subscriptions, and bulk orders for parishes and schools. If you want to give a subscription as a gift, you can purchase it through their website and specify the recipient's address and the start date.
Comparing Magnificat to other Catholic prayer resources
Other Catholic publications offer similar daily prayer and reflection content. The Liturgy of the Hours is an official Catholic prayer book published by the Vatican and is available free online or in print form. It is more comprehensive than Magnificat but also more complex and requires more time to use each day.
Pray As You Go is a free daily audio prayer resource from the Jesuits, available as a podcast. Daily Gospel apps and websites offer free Scripture readings and reflections. These are all free alternatives, though they do not include the physical booklet format that some people prefer.
Magnificat's main advantage is that it combines the daily Mass readings with a short, accessible reflection in a portable printed format. If you want something you can hold in your hands and carry with you, or if you prefer not to rely on a screen or internet connection, Magnificat fills that need. If you are comfortable with digital-only resources or want to avoid a subscription cost, the free options work well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Magnificat subscription outside the United States?
Yes. Magnificat is available in multiple countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and others. Pricing and shipping times vary by location. Visit the Magnificat website and select your country to see options and costs for your region.
What happens if I want to change my subscription from monthly to annual billing?
Log into your account on the Magnificat website and look for subscription settings or billing options. You can usually change your billing frequency there. The change will take effect with your next billing cycle, not immediately.
Is there a way to read Magnificat without paying for a subscription?
Magnificat itself requires a paid subscription. However, many Catholic parishes have copies available in the church lobby or office that you can read for free. Some libraries also carry it. If you want your own copy to keep, a subscription is the standard way to get it.
Can I share my Magnificat subscription login with family members?
The terms of service allow one person per subscription account. If multiple people in your household want access, each person should have their own subscription. However, you can share the physical printed copy with anyone in your home.
What if I move during my subscription?
Log into your account and update your mailing address. Your next issue will be sent to the new address. If you are moving internationally, contact customer service to confirm that your subscription can continue to your new country and what the new cost will be.