THE CATHOLIC Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has approved a new Tagalog translation that will serve as an alternative to the most important Marian prayer.
The new “Ave Maria” translation was approved by the CBCP during its recent plenary assembly.
According to CBCP, the alternative version was approved to “adapt” the changing times while still maintaining its biblical accuracy.
“[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,” said CBCP Secretary General Msgr. Bernardo Pantin.
He said “Ave Maria” is not meant to replace the old translation but to give Catholics an accurate version of the original text in Latin.
“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 bishops’ conference said in a short commentary.
The approval coincides with the Jubilee Year 2025 and the 50th anniversary of the CBCP pastoral letter on the Blessed Virgin Mary, “Ang Mahal na Birheng Maria,” issued on Feb 2, 1975.
