The author of this English translation is unknown. A version of it is included the Parochial Hymn Book published in Boston in 1897. There are various verses in common use, including a New Zealand adaptation, Immaculate Mother, in which the first verse refers to "our isles of the sea". It is also very similar to The Bells of the Angelus.
The source of the tune is also uncertain. Among English-speakers, the song is closely associated with the Marian apparitions to Bernadette
at Lourdes, and so the tune is known as the LOURDES HYMN. There is much speculation about the composer:
- Many sources describe it as a traditional tune from the Pyrenean area of France
- The same tune is clearly used in #6 - Ave Maria, by French Roman Catholic priest François Xavier Moreau (1816-1897) - source: https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k856343x/f16.item#
- Some sources credit it to a priest of the diocese of Luçon, Abbé Gaignet (1873).
With the dates of these publications, the tune is clearly now in the public domain, even though the composer is unknown.
Note: Take care when using this hymn with groups from different places: there are several ways to fit the words to the tune and some timing variations in the chorus. None of these are "correct", but people can be very attached to the version they are familiar with.
We praise God in you
His power and His mercy,
His grace given to you,
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria,
Ave, Ave, Maria.
Immaculate Mary,
Your praises we sing,
You reign now in heaven,
With Jesus our king
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria,
Ave, Ave, Maria.
Your child is the Saviour,
All hope lies in Him
He gives us new life
And redeems us from sin.
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria,
Ave, Ave, Maria.
Through you to your Son,
lead us, Mary we pray.
Through Christ to the Father
Is our only way.
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria,
Ave, Ave, Maria.
In heaven, the blessed,
Your glory proclaim.
On earth, we your children,
Invoke your fair name.
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria,
Ave, Ave, Maria.
Note: Take care when using this hymn with groups from different places: there are several ways to fit the words to the tune and some timing variations in the chorus. None of these are "correct", but people can be very attached to the version they are familiar with.
Downloads
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Examples
A Spanish-language version, which gives a good sense of the tune
Small group, with piano accompaniment:
Acapella, solo singer
Lyrics
Immaculate MaryWe praise God in you
His power and His mercy,
His grace given to you,
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria,
Ave, Ave, Maria.
Immaculate Mary,
Your praises we sing,
You reign now in heaven,
With Jesus our king
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria,
Ave, Ave, Maria.
Your child is the Saviour,
All hope lies in Him
He gives us new life
And redeems us from sin.
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria,
Ave, Ave, Maria.
Through you to your Son,
lead us, Mary we pray.
Through Christ to the Father
Is our only way.
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria,
Ave, Ave, Maria.
In heaven, the blessed,
Your glory proclaim.
On earth, we your children,
Invoke your fair name.
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria,
Ave, Ave, Maria.
That's Spanish, not French.
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