By Social Communications

Published on February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025 – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has officially approved an alternative Filipino version of the Hail Mary prayer, known as the “Ave Maria.”

The decision was made during the CBCP’s recent plenary assembly and offers an alternative to the long-established Tagalog version of the prayer, “Aba Ginoong Maria.”

Msgr. Bernardo Pantin, CBCP Secretary General, clarified that the new translation is not meant to replace the original version but rather provides a more faithful and accurate rendition of the original Latin text.

He explained that the translation is designed to be more contextualized, simple, and adaptable to contemporary times, enhancing the faithful’s understanding of its biblical and theological significance.

In a brief statement, the CBCP shared that the revisions are guided by several principles, including biblical accuracy, simplicity, prayerfulness, and adaptability to contemporary life.

The new translation also emphasizes synodality, ensuring unity among the faithful. “The revisions are faithful to the original Latin text, bible-based, simple, prayerful, adaptable to the changing times, and contextualized for the Philippine setting, with a spirit of synodality so that all may be one,” the CBCP said.

This decision comes as the 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 February 2, 1975.