Hail Mary
The Hail Mary is the most beloved Marian prayer in the Catholic Church. Combining the angel Gabriel's greeting with Elizabeth's exclamation, it honors the Blessed Virgin Mary and asks for her intercession. It is the heart of the Rosary and a constant companion for Catholics worldwide.
✝Prayer Text
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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.
⏰When to Pray
The Hail Mary is prayed during the Rosary, the Angelus, and whenever seeking Mary's intercession. It is ideal for moments of joy, sorrow, temptation, or when seeking comfort and protection.
📖How to Pray
Pray the Hail Mary with devotion to Mary as your spiritual mother. Meditate on the mystery of the Incarnation in the first half. In the second half, entrust your needs and your final hour to her maternal care. String ten together for a decade of the Rosary.
📜Related Scripture
Luke 1:28
“And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."”
Luke 1:42
“Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
John 2:5
“His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you."”
📚History & Background
The first half comes directly from Scripture—Gabriel's greeting (Luke 1:28) and Elizabeth's exclamation (Luke 1:42). The second half, petitioning Mary's intercession, was added by the Church in the medieval period and formally codified by Pope Pius V in 1568.
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