Frequently asked questions
Questions about participation
How many women can be in one group?
We would advise a group size of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 women. With more then 8 women we would advise to split the group in two groups.
Can there be a group with an odd number of women?
Yes! In the case of an odd number, one can have a buddy of three women.
What do I need to start Magnificat 90?
A group of women – the Journal Magnificat 90 (soon available on amazon.com) – The book ‘I believe in Love‘.
When is the best time to start Magnificat 90?
One can start Magnificat 90 at any time of the year. We recommend that you start 90 days before a solemnity (feast day in the Church), such as: Easter, Christmas, the Assumption of our Lady, Christ the King, the feast day of St. Thérèse, or another feast day. When you sign up individually you receive a calendar with the feast days and possible starting days.
Can men also participate?
Magnificat 90 has been specially developed for women. Men can participate in Exodus 90, www.exodus90.com.
Practical questions
Help, I don’t have any time for Magnificat 90. How can this ever fit into my daily life?
Magnificat 90 is designed to be experienced in the midst of daily life. Whether you are a mother, a working professional, or a student, it is a wonderful challenge for everyone to focus more on what is truly important in life. Many women have already gone before you on this 90-day journey, so it is possible! Much of the time one normally spends on social media, watching movies, etc., will now be free to spend on your family, friends, and prayer, for example.
I am the mother of a family with small children… Is it possible to join Magnificat 90?
Yes. Certainly, Magnificat 90 is designed specifically for you as a young mother. Your family remains your first and foremost responsibility. Sometimes Magnificat 90 will take up some of the time you would otherwise spend with your family: praying, reading, and attending the weekly meeting all take time. But remember that these are moments in which you grow as a woman and a mother, and that after this time of prayer you will be able to love your family even better and more purposefully. Also, consider the time you gain with your family because you are no longer on your phone while playing with the children, or because your evenings with your husband are no longer filled with Netflix, but with conversation.
What if I am on vacation during Magnificat 90, do I still have to fast?
There is a good chance that you will encounter a vacation somewhere during the 90-day journey. Your vacation is there to help you relax. The exercises should not be an obstacle to this, but can actually help you. Perhaps you will have some extra time for prayer, or you can read a good book. If it helps you to relax and enjoy your vacation, there is no problem with drinking a cappuccino, getting an ice cream, or going out for a nice meal. Above all, try to maintain your prayer and community life, and try not to overdo it. Before your vacation, it is good to think about how you want to deal with the exercises during that period. Discuss this with your buddy and with the group.
What kind of books can I read/not read?
During Magnificat 90, it is recommended that you read books that bring you closer to God. These include the Bible, the daily Gospel, or books about saints or other testimonies. If you register here, we will send you tips for books that you can read during or after Magnificat 90.
Can I watch movies/series and, if so, which ones?
In principle, during Magnificat 90, we strive to minimize our screen time. The main goal is to reduce our dependence on screen time and not to waste time binge-watching or watching series for no reason. You can choose not to watch any movies or series at all during these 90 days. Watching an uplifting faith-based movie, for example with others, can be a nice alternative.
Questions about the content of Magnificat 90
Why the name Magnificat 90?
Magnificat – rejoice, praise! That is what Magnificat means. When Mary was expecting the Savior, she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was also expecting (John the Baptist). When she recognizes that Mary is truly expecting the Son of God, Mary sings her joyful song of praise, the Magnificat.
The goal of the 90 days is to rejoice deep in your heart, which is why it is called Magnificat 90. You may realize more and more how loved you are by God, and that you can have unshakeable trust in Him. Just like Mary: she did not know exactly what was going to happen in her life. She did know who she was. She knew whose she was: the beloved daughter of God. Of the God who always keeps His promises; of the God who gives you abundant gifts; of the God who is merciful.
Why 90 days?
It takes at least 90 days to learn a good habit and unlearn a bad one. Of course, 90 days are not enough to change your whole life, but they do give you a good start to grow in good habits, focused on a life with God.
Why fasting?
Jesus himself fasted for 40 days and nights (see Matthew 4), and He tells us a lot about the importance of fasting in the Gospel. The saints took this to heart. There is not a single saint in the Church who does not talk about the importance of fasting. Just think of Saint Mother Teresa, Saint Pope John Paul II, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Saint Joan of Arc… When fasting, trust in Jesus himself and in all those saints of the Church who have gone before us.