Mō Maria

"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]

"Mō Maria"
English	For Mary
Native name	Mō Maria
Genre	Christian hymn
Text	Jean-Baptiste Pompallier
Composed	1842
Audio sample
Rendition by Te Kura Taumata o Panguru file help

History

Bishop Pompallier

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.

Mō Maria aianei O tātou waiata Kia kaha rā tātou Kia nui te aroha. Mō Maria aianei O tātou waiata Kia kaha rā tātou Kia nui te aroha. Aroha ki te Atua Aroha ki a Maria i te Rangi, te whenua āke tonu, āke tonu. Mō Maria aianei O tātou waiata Kia kaha rā tātou Kia nui te aroha. Āmene

For Mary now Our songs Let us be strong Let there be great love. For Mary now Our songs Let us be strong Let there be great love. Love God Love Mary In heaven And on earth For ever and ever. For Mary now Our songs Let us be strong Let there be great love. Amen