THE “AVE MARIA”
For this essay, I have
included four versions of the
“Ave Maria.”
Celtic Woman - Ave Maria:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsTJU27a1uc
Pavarotti - Ave Maria - Schubert:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uYrmYXsujI
Vitas-Ave Maria:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMN5GJnYjrk
Carmen Monarcha singing the Bach version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUk-26tVRkU
The fascination of
this hymn stems from the tradition of recognition, honoring and
celebrating the Mother of our Redeemer; the excellent compositions of
some of the greatest composers the world has ever known who by their
spiritual music place much of humanity into their true feelings; and the
recognition of the importance of motherhood in society.
I am overcome with
feelings when I hear the “Ave Maria.”
The English translation of the words of the “Ave
Maria” or the “Hail Mary” follow:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
As a celebration of motherhood, I am creating a spiritual message for all women:
Despite our universal inclination to sin, many of us would give our lives for a good cause!
David C. Hakim
December 20, 2008