Hail Mary

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.” — St. Maximilian Kolbe

The 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.

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About This Prayer

The Hail Mary Prayer is one of the most beloved and central devotions in Catholicism, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary and invoking her intercession. The first part of the prayer comes directly from Sacred Scripture — the Angel Gabriel’s greeting in Luke 1:28 and Elizabeth’s blessing in Luke 1:42. The second part is a petition developed by the Church in the early centuries, officially taking its current form by the 16th century. The Hail Mary is at the heart of the Rosary and is a powerful expression of Marian devotion and faith in the Incarnation of Christ.

When To Pray

The Hail Mary can be prayed at any time, but it is especially used during the Rosary, in times of personal need, or during moments of spiritual reflection. It is also prayed during the Angelus at morning, noon, and evening, and is frequently said before sleep or at times when you seek the motherly protection of Our Lady.