The melody of “Ave Maria” was originally composed by Franz Schubert as part of a set of songs for Walter Scott’s epic poem “The Lady of the Lake”. The text was not originally intended for a Catholic prayer, but rather for a secular poem.
The Latin words “Ave Maria” (Hail Mary) were later added to the melody, making it a setting for the Catholic prayer.
Many people, including musicians and Catholics, consider “Ave Maria” a Catholic song due to its association with the prayer and its widespread use in Catholic liturgy and ceremonies.
However, some argue that the song’s origins are secular and that its use in a Catholic ceremony is not inherently sacrilegious, as long as it is not accompanied by lyrics that contradict Catholic doctrine.
The song’s composer, Schubert, did not intend it as a specifically Catholic work, and its beauty and elegance have made it a popular choice for weddings and other non-Catholic ceremonies as well.
Here's the instrumental version without the Babylonian bullshit stuck on top of it -