‘Hail Mary’ gets alternative Pinoy version

MANILA, Philippines —  A new Filipino version of the “Hail Mary” prayer has been approved by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) as an alternative to the commonly used Tagalog-based “Aba Ginoong Maria.”

According to CBCP News, the official news service of the CBCP, the alternative version, titled “Ave Maria,” was approved during the bishops’ recent plenary assembly.

CBCP secretary general Bernardo Pantin clarified that the new translation does not replace the existing version, but offers a more faithful and accurate rendition 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,” Pantin said, as quoted by CBCP News.

In a brief commentary, the CBCP noted that the revisions were guided by several key principles, including biblical accuracy, simplicity, prayerfulness, adaptability to contemporary life and synodality.

“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,” the CBCP said.

The approval of the new translation aligns with the Catholic Church’s celebration of the 2025 Jubilee Year and the 50th anniversary of the CBCP’s 1975 pastoral letter on the Virgin Mary, “Ang Mahal na Birheng Maria.”