Hail Mary: The Angelic Salutation Prayer

# Ave Maria: The Angelic Salutation Prayer**Ave Maria**, the most widely known Marian prayer in the Christian world, combines three elements: the greeting of the Archangel Gabriel at the Annunciation (Luke 1:28), Elizabeth’s accolade during the Visitation (Luke 1:42), and a petition added in the 15th century. For a comprehensive article: **Ave Maria, Prayer and Spirituality**.## The Three PartsThe first part is biblical: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee” (Luke 1:28). The second part also has biblical roots: “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus” (Luke 1:42 + addition of the name Jesus). The third part, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death,” was gradually added between the 14th and 16th centuries.## Place in the RosaryThe Ave Maria is the central element of the **Rosary**: each decade consists of a meditation on one mystery accompanied by ten Ave Marias. Reciting the entire Rosary means praying 150 Ave Marias, reflecting the number of psalms. Hence, the ancient name for the Rosary: **Mary’s Psalter**.**Explore further:** delve into **Mariology**, **Marian Theology**, **Marian Apparitions**, and **Graduate Studies in Mariology**.—## Church Teaching*Ave Maria, 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.***Literal Translation:** 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.