Alma Redemptoris Mater • FREE English Adaptation

Here we present my own close-to-literal translation of the Alma Redemptoris Mater (the Seasonal Marian Antiphon for Advent, sung up through the Feast of the Presentation on February 2nd.)

This edition incorporates a few choice phrases from Fr. Selner’s edition (see #71 in the document offered here), but is substantially my own, with guidance from the book Chants of the Church—a fantastic volume from the 1950’s which incorporates literal interlinear translations of traditional chants.

The goal of this edition was to present a version that was much closer to the original word order and meaning, rather than being a particularly “poetic” rendition, as is Fr. Selner’s. (To be clear, his is a “faithful” translation, but takes more liberties with word order than this edition.) It was also arranged with school children in mind (hence the modern you/yours, and the preference for the term ‘Maiden’, even though ‘Virgo’ could be rendered literally in its place—which I encourage anyone so-inclined to do). Ultimately, my desire was to make it easily singable and immediately comprehensible by school children.

I offer it free to all in case it may be of service to you and your ministry. Fr. Selner’s more poetic rendition can be found at the link above, and a square note edition of Fr. Selner’s version, along with a broader discussion about the Seasonal Marian Antiphons, can be found here.