Ka Waiata
A popular Maori Catholic hymn venerating Mary, the mother of Jesus, for accepting her role as mother of future generations. It is also sung at non-Catholic gatherings to praise the role of all mothers as "Whare tangata."
LYRICS
Ka waiata kia Maria
Hine i whakaae
Whakameatia mai
Te whare tangata.
Hine pūrotu
Hine ngākau
Hine rangimārie
Ko Te Whaea
Ko te whaea
O te ao
TRANSLATION
Let us sing to Mary,
The girl who said "Yes
let it be as you say, that I become
the house of mankind."
A simple girl
A strong-hearted girl
A quiet girl.
The Mother of Jesus,
and the mother
of the whole world