Hail Mary Prayer
The Hail Mary is one of the most beloved and frequently recited prayers in the Catholic Church, honoring the Virgin Mary and asking for her intercession.
The Hail Mary Prayer
Hail Mary, 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.
How to Pray the Hail Mary
The Hail Mary is traditionally prayed:
- 10 times in each decade of the Rosary
- As part of the Angelus (morning, noon, evening)
- During personal devotion and meditation
- In times of need, asking for Mary's intercession
- As a standalone prayer for peace and protection
History and Origin
The Hail Mary is composed of two parts: the first part comes from the Gospel of Luke (1:28 and 1:42), containing the words of the Angel Gabriel and Elizabeth to Mary.
The second part, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death,” was added by the Church in the 16th century.
This prayer has been a cornerstone of Catholic devotion for centuries, offering comfort and hope to millions of believers worldwide.
Meaning and Significance
“Hail Mary, full of grace”: Acknowledges Mary's special role in salvation
“The Lord is with thee”: Recognizes God's presence in Mary's life
“Blessed art thou among women”: Honors Mary's unique position
“And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus”: Praises Jesus through Mary
“Pray for us sinners”: Asks for Mary's intercession
Pray the Rosary with Hail Mary
The Hail Mary is central to the Rosary prayer. Use our interactive guide to pray the complete Rosary with proper meditation and intention.