The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has endorsed an “alternative” Filipino translation of the Hail Mary.
The new “Ave Maria” was approved during the CBCP’s recent plenary assembly as an alternative to the Tagalog-based “Aba Ginoong Maria.”
CBCP Secretary General Msgr. Bernardo Pantin emphasized that the new translation does not replace the original version but offers a more faithful and accurate rendition of the Latin text.
“It is 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,” Pantin said.
In a brief commentary, the CBCP also said the revisions were guided by biblical accuracy, simplicity, prayerfulness, adaptability to contemporary life, and synodality— ensuring unity among all.
“The revisions are guided by: faithfulness to the original Latin text, bible-based, simplicity, prayerfulness, adaptability to the changing times and in the Philippine context, and the spirit of synodality that all may be one,” it said.
The bishops decided as the Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the Jubilee Year of 2025, which also marks the 50th anniversary of the CBCP’s pastoral letter on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ang Mahal na Birheng Maria, issued on Feb. 2, 1975.
Below are the full texts of the original Tagalog version and alternative Filipino version of the Hail Mary:
Tagalog version (Aba Ginoong Maria)
Aba Ginoong Maria, napupuno ka ng grasya,
ang Panginoong Diyos ay sumasaiyo.
Bukod kang pinagpala sa babaeng lahat
at pinagpala rin naman ang iyong Anak na si Hesus.
Santa Maria, Ina ng Diyos,
ipanalangin mo kaming makasalanan
ngayon, at kung kami’y mamamatay. Amen.
Alternative Filipino version (Ave Maria)
Ave Maria, puno ka ng grasya,
ang Panginoon ay sumasaiyo.
Pinagpala ka sa kababaihan,
at pinagpala ang bunga ng iyong sinapupunan
na si Jesus.
Santa Maria, Ina ng Diyos,
ipanalangin mo kaming makasalanan,
ngayon, at sa oras ng aming kamatayan. Amen.