Katherine Jenkins (born 29 June 1980) is a highly acclaimed Welsh mezzo-sop… Read Full Bio ↴Katherine Jenkins (born 29 June 1980) is a highly acclaimed Welsh mezzo-soprano, a classical-popular crossover singer who has gained an international reputation from her live and recorded performances across a spectrum of operatic arias, popular songs, musical comedy and hymns. In 2004, at the age of 23, she signed the largest record deal in United Kingdom classical recording history, with an undisclosed seven-figure deal.

Jenkins was born in Neath, Wales, where she and her sister Laura were raised by their parents Selwyn John (1924–1995) and Susan. She has twin half-sisters from her father's first marriage, neither of whom she has met.

Six out of seven of Jenkins's studio albums reached number one in the classical charts between 2004 and 2008, selling a total of more than 4 million copies. After her first album, Premiere, made her the fastest-selling mezzo-soprano to date she became the first British classical crossover artist to have two number one albums in the same year. She is also the first female artist to win two consecutive Classical BRIT Awards: her second album, Second Nature, reached number 16 in the UK pop charts and was Album of the Year in the 2005 BRIT Awards.

On Sunday 25th November 2007, Katherine Jenkins' new album 'Rejoice' entered the 'Official UK Album Chart' at number 3. Katherine beat off stiff competition from the likes of Girls Aloud, Led Zeppelin, Spice Girls, Take That and Celine Dion.

Sancta Maria
Katherine Jenkins Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ave Maria,
Gratia plena,
Dominus tecum,
Benedicta, benedicta tu in mulieribus,
Et benedictus
Fructus ventris tui, Jesus
Fructus ventris tui, Jesus
Sancta Maria,

Mater Dei,
Ora pro nobis
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus,
Nunc et in hora mortis nostrae
Amen
Sancta Maria,
Sancta Maria,
Ora pro nobis
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus

Nunc et in hora mortis nostrae
Amen

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Katherine Jenkins' song Sancta Maria are taken from the traditional Catholic prayer Ave Maria. The song is a plea to the Virgin Mary to intercede for us sinners, both now and at the hour of our death. The lyrics express the deep devotion of the singer to the Blessed Mother, acknowledging her grace and her status as the mother of Jesus.

The first part of the prayer, "Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum" (Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee) is a greeting to Mary and an acknowledgement of her being chosen by God to bear His son. The second part of the prayer, "Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus" (Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus) is a recognition of Mary's unique role in history and her special relationship with her son, Jesus.

The final part of the prayer, "Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen" (Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen) is a plea for Mary to intercede for us with her son, Jesus, and to pray for us sinners that we may be saved.

Overall, the song Sancta Maria is a beautiful expression of faith and devotion to the Virgin Mary, and a reminder of the power of prayer in our lives.

Line by Line Meaning

Ave Maria,
Hail Mary,

Gratia plena,
Full of grace,

Dominus tecum,
The Lord is with thee,

Benedicta, benedicta tu in mulieribus,
Blessed art thou among women,

Et benedictus
And blessed

Fructus ventris tui, Jesus
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus

Sancta Maria,
Holy Mary,

Mater Dei,
Mother of God,

Ora pro nobis
Pray for us

Ora pro nobis peccatoribus,
Now and at the hour of our death, pray for us sinners

Nunc et in hora mortis nostrae
Now and at the hour of our death