Immaculate Mary


Immaculate Mary or Immaculate Mother is a popular Roman Catholic Marian hymn. It is also known as the Lourdes Hymn, a term which also refers to the melody alone. It is often sung in honour of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The earliest version of the hymn was written in 1873 by French priest and seminary director Jean Gaignet, for pilgrims to the site of the apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes. It was set to a traditional French tune and contained 8 verses; he later expanded it to 120 verses.

Versions

Several versions of the hymn are in use in different parts of the world. Many of them are original sets of lyrics in various languages, set to the same tune, theme, and refrain.
A popular version dating to 1952 is as follows:
Another popular version which appeared in hymnals between 1900 and 1975 has, as its first line, "Immaculate Mary, our hearts are on fire." It extends to around 12 verses in order to facilitate its use in processions.

In the Philippines

A version sung at novena services honouring Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Marian processions has a different set of lyrics. It is commonly associated with Baclaran Church, the principal shrine of the devotion to the icon: