Once again I am forced to thank the great god Algo for getting it right. Without any searching by me, today YouTube presented me with a new recording of Ave Maria by Alanis Morissette (this link lands on a playlist of her previous holiday recordings). Alanis performs a rendition of the iconic Franz Schubert song, with Latin text adapted from the Hail Mary prayer. I found myself immediately taken by its sublimely straightforward and poignant style. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!

Growing up Mormon, I understood this song to be taboo, as it verges on worshipping Mary. But really W&T readers, if we’re going to celebrate this holiday through music, we ought to sing about the character in the nativity story who actually does the heavy lifting. If it helps, just think of the lyrics as speaking casually through the veil.

Latin Text with English Translation

Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus tecum.
Benedicta tu in mulieribus,
et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.

Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.