(INTRODUCTION — FEMALE SOLO, THEN CHOIR IN A SOFT HUSH) September shines with holy light, The bells are calling through the night, A sacred day, a gentle prayer, Mary's name is shining there. (VERSE I — FEMALE SOLO) Maria, holy name, A light that still remains, The Virgin Mary, pure and blessed, Mother of God, our hope and rest. (CHORUS — FEMALE CHOIR, PIANISSIMO → FORTE) Ave Maria, Ave Maria, Ave Maria, Ave Maria. (VERSE II — SOLO + CHOIR RESPONSE) O Marys, bear your name with grace, Let holy love shine from your face. Be proud of this blessed name, A gift of light, a sacred flame. (CHORUS — FULLER FEMALE CHOIR) Ave Maria, Ave Maria, Ave Maria, Ave Maria. (VERSE III — FEMALE CHOIR, CRESCENDO) May every step be blessed with light, May hope remain through day and night. May Mary's name shine bright and true, A sacred light that lives in you. (CHORUS — FEMALE CHOIR, CRESCENDO TO FORTE) Ave Maria, Ave Maria, Ave Maria, Ave Maria. (DROP — FEMALE CHOIR, GRAND CLIMAX) MARIA! — holy name! MARIA! — sacred flame! MARIA! — shine like a star! MARIA! — be who you are! (ENDING — FEMALE CHOIR, THEN DIMINUENDO) Blessed Mary, gentle light, Guide our hearts through day and night. May God's love be always near, Maria's name we hold so dear.
