Harry Connick Jr.'s song "Ave Maria" is a rendition of the traditional Catholic prayer known as "Hail Mary." Ave Maria, translated as "Hail Mary" in English, is a hymn often associated with the Virgin Mary. The lyrics of the song are in Latin, the traditional language used in Catholic prayers. The song begins with the repeated phrase "Ave Maria gratia plena" which translates to "Hail Mary, full of grace." This is a reference to the opening line of the prayer. The repetition emphasizes the importance and significance of Mary's grace. The next lines, "Dominus tecum," mean "The Lord is with you." This phrase is commonly used in the Bible and signifies the close relationship between Mary and God. The next verse, "Benedicta tu in mulieribus," translates to "Blessed are you among women." This line acknowledges Mary's special role as the mother of Jesus and her elevated status among all women. The following line, "Et benedictus fructus ventris tui Jesus," means "And blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus." This is a direct reference to Jesus, the son of Mary, who is considered the Savior in Christianity. Overall, the song praises and honors the Virgin Mary, acknowledging her divine grace and the blessing she received as the mother of Jesus. It is a beautiful and reverent tribute to the central figure in Catholicism.
