Also known as O Sanctissima (Oh, Most Holy), the Sicilian Mariner’s Hymn was first published in London in 1792 as a traditional Sicilian hymn, but its origins are a little murky: it might actually come from Sicily, but it might also originate with St. Bernard of Clairvaux, the German mystic who co-founded both the Order of Cistercians, and the Order of Knights Templar. Either way, it’s sung worldwide as both a popular devotion and as liturgical music, in English, Latin, and German (as O du fröhliche.) Needless to say, the translation here isn’t the traditional one: it’s a bit more soul/R&B-sounding.
O sanctissima, o piissima,
Dulcis Virgo Maria!
Mama dear, pure and clear,
Pray for us now, pray for us here.You’re our comfort in the night,
Mother Mary, shine your light.
All we hope for comes through you,
Pray for us now, see our plight.Ecce debiles, perquam flebiles;
salva nos, o Maria!
Tolle languores, sana dolores;
ora, ora pro nobis.We’re weak and weary to the bone,
Save us now Mother so warm.
Take our pains and heal our woes
Pray for us now as we go.In this world of trouble and strife
Guide our steps through joy and life.
When the storm clouds gather ’round
Keep us safe where evil’s foundO sanctissima, o piissima,
dulcis Virgo Maria!
Mater amata, intemerata,
ora, ora pro nobis.Virgo, respice, Mater, aspice;
audi nos, o Maria!
Tu medicinam portas divinam;
ora, ora pro nobis.