"Mō Maria" (English: "For Mary") is a Christian hymn written by Jean-Baptiste Pompallier in 1842.[1] After Pompallier had landed in New Zealand in January 1838, he sought to build a relationship with the Maori people of New Zealand. Bishop Pompallier wrote a hymn in Māori. "Mō Maria" continues to be sung throughout New Zealand in many Catholic churches.[2]
History
Text
The original text of the hymn was written by Bishop Pompallier after he landed in New Zealand. Wanting Māori to join the Catholic Church, he wrote a hymn in Māori honouring Mary so that it could be understood and sung among the Māori people and their tribes.[2]
"Mō Maria" originally contained 14 verses. However, they are not always sung. [1]
Tune
It is unknown whether the tune of "Mō Maria" was composed by Bishop Pompallier or if it was adapted from an existing Māori tune.[1]
Lyrics
These are four verses along with their English translation.
References
- 1.[1.2][1.3]"Mo Maria". GodSongs. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- 2.[2.2]"MŌ MARIA HIMENE". Te Ara a Maria. Retrieved 8 January 2024.