Wees gegroet Maria

Armand Preud'homme's 'Wees gegroet Maria' is a musical rendition of the traditional Catholic prayer known as the 'Hail Mary.' This prayer is a cornerstone of Catholic devotion, expressing reverence and supplication to the Virgin Mary. The lyrics are a direct translation of the Latin 'Ave Maria,' which has been a significant part of Christian liturgy for centuries. The song's structure and repetition of the prayer's words emphasize the deep spiritual connection and the act of seeking intercession from Mary, the mother of Jesus.

The opening lines, 'Wees gegroet Maria, Vol van genade, de Heer is met U,' translate to 'Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.' This greeting acknowledges Mary's unique role in Christian theology as the mother of Jesus Christ and her exceptional grace. The subsequent lines, 'gezegend zijt Gij boven alle vrouwen en gezegend is de vrucht van uw Lichaam: Jezus,' meaning 'blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus,' further highlight her blessed status and the divine nature of her son.

The latter part of the song, 'Heilige Maria: Moeder Gods, Heilige Maria, bid voor ons arme zondaars, nu en in het uur van onze dood,' translates to 'Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.' This plea for intercession underscores the Catholic belief in Mary's powerful role as an advocate for humanity. The repetition of 'A-a-a-amen' at the end serves as a solemn affirmation of faith and devotion. Through this song, Armand Preud'homme captures the essence of a timeless prayer, inviting listeners to reflect on their faith and seek comfort in the divine intercession of Mary.