Hail Mary gets a new Philippine version
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines has approved a translation of the prayer into Filipino, the country’s lingua franca, to be used alongside the traditional Tagalog version, more closely in line with the original Latin text and adapted to changing times. The decision coincides with the Jubilee Year and the 50th anniversary of the pastoral letter on the relationship between Philippine Catholics and the Virgin Mary.
Manila (AsiaNews) – The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has approved a new Filipino version of the Hail Mary prayer, traditionally called "Aba Ginoong Maria" in Tagalog. It made the announced on Tuesday (11 February), the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
CBCP Secretary General Mgr Bernardo Pantin said that this new translation does not replace the old one, but offers a more faithful and accurate rendering of the original Latin text.
“[It’s] more contextualized, simple and adaptable to the changing times, as well as enhances our understanding and appreciation of the significance and richness of its biblico-theological foundation,” he explained.
It is important to note the distinction between Filipino and Tagalog. The latter is a language spoken mainly in the Manila region and surrounding provinces, while Filipino is used as the country’s lingua franca (along with English). Although based on Tagalog, it is more flexible and "inclusive", borrowing words from other languages. Widely used regional languages include Cebuano and Ilocano.
The CBCP stressed that the revisions were based on certain principles like biblical accuracy, simplicity, ease of prayer, adaptability to contemporary life, and synodality, to ensure unity among all the faithful.
This initiative by the CBCP not only coincides with the celebration of the Jubilee Year, but also marks the 50th anniversary of the CBCP's pastoral letter on the Blessed Virgin Mary, “Ang Mahal na Birheng Maria”, released on 2 February 1975, centred on the relationship of Philippine Catholics with the mother of Jesus.
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