Catholic bishops in the Philippines have approved an “alternative” version of the Hail Mary, considered the most popular prayer among Catholics across the world. Source: UCA News.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines approved the alternative to the Tagalog-based Aba Ginoong Maria during their recent plenary assembly, according to a news item published on the conference website on February 11.
The traditional Catholic prayer Ave Maria (Hail Mary), addressed to Mary, the mother of Jesus, is known by its first two words. The prayer is composed of the words used in the Biblical account of Archangel Gabriel saluting Mary.
Conference secretary-general Bernardo Pantin said the new translation in Tagalog, the most used local language in the Philippines, provides a more accurate rendition of the original Latin text. However, he said it does not reject the old version.
Mr Pantin says the new version is “more contextualised, simple, and adaptable to the changing times
He added that the new version also enhances the understanding and appreciation “of the significance and richness” of the prayer’s biblical-theological foundation.
The bishops conference also said biblical accuracy, simplicity, prayerfulness, adaptability to contemporary life, and synodality have guided the revision.
The revision of the prayer comes as the Church in the Philippines marks the 50th anniversary of the bishops’ conference’s pastoral letter, Mary in Philippine Life Today, issued on February 2, 1975.
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Philippine bishops approve revised Hail Mary in local language (UCA News)
