Origin of the Hail Mary Prayer
The “Hail Mary” is a venerable Catholic prayer that holds a special place in the hearts of millions of believers around the world. It consists of two main parts.
The first part draws directly from the Gospel of Luke (1:28, 42) and consists of the angel Gabriel’s salutation to Mary at the Annunciation, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women.”
The second part is an entreaty to Mary, asking for her intercession and prayers, specifically seeking her blessing “now and at the hour of our death.” The “Hail Mary” prayer is deeply connected to the veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Catholicism and is often recited as a form of devotion, especially within the context of the Rosary, a popular Catholic prayer tradition.
Catholics believe that Mary, as the Mother of Jesus, holds a special place in interceding for the faithful and that her prayers are powerful in obtaining God’s grace and guidance.
Hail Mary Prayer
Hail Mary, full of grace;
the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Hail Mary (modern language version)
Hail Mary, full of grace;
the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.