Mō Maria Himene

From his arrival in January 1838 Bishop Pompallier sought to foster a relationship with the tangata whenua, the first people of this land Aotearoa. In responding to a Māori tradition for music the Bishop offered a hymn, composed in their own language, and giving honour to a woman living in relationship with the transcendent, and encouraging love

In the almost two centuries of Catholic faith this powerful and beautiful hymn has been welcomed and sung throughout our land. Different regional pronunciations and subsequent adaptations of the original lyrics have made it difficult to sing this national hymn in a way that is unified and harmonious.

With the Feast of the Assumption with the rededication of Aotearoa New Zealand to Mary, Mother of God, Assumed into Heaven, we have taken the opportunity to once again learn again this hymn, lyric, melody and pronunciation, from the people of the Hokianga for whom this himene was first composed.

Lyrics to this beautiful himene can be downloaded here.

The Lead Sheet in G can be accessed here. Please note the lyrics included on the music sheet differ from the original lyrics we are promoting.

The National Liturgy Office and friends have produced a number of video guides about Mō Maria that can be viewed on YouTube 

The videos include background stories, history, lyrics and a guide to pronounciation. More information is included on a National Liturgy Office page dedicated to Mō Maria.

A soundtrack of the himene being lovingly sung by students, parents and teachers of Te Kura Taumata o Panguru is included below. The file can be downloaded by clicking on the three dots.

Mō Maria aianei

O tātou waiata

Kia kaha rā tātou

Kia nui te aroha

For Mary now

Our songs

Let us be strong

Let there be great love.

Chorus

Mō Maria aianei

O tātou waiata

Kia kaha rā tātou

Kia nui te aroha

For Mary now

Our songs

Let us be strong

Let there be great love.

Verse 2

Aroha ki te Atua

Aroha ki a Maria

i te Rangi,

te whenua

āke tonu, āke tonu.

Love God

Love Mary

In heaven

And on earth

For ever and ever.

Chorus