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Hail Mary

Ave Maria

The most beloved prayer to the Blessed Virgin 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.

In Latin

Ave María, grátia plena, Dóminus tecum. Benedícta tu in muliéribus, et benedíctus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta María, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatóribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostræ. Amen.

History

The first part comes from the Angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary (Luke 1:28) and Elizabeth's greeting (Luke 1:42). The second part was added by the Church over time.

When to Pray

Catholics often pray the Hail Mary throughout the day, especially as part of the Rosary and the Angelus.