The Hail Mary: the text, its two parts, and their meaning
The “Ave Maria” is, after the Our Father, the most prayed prayer in the Catholic Church. It is the heart of the Rosary and unites, in one voice, the words of Scripture and the faith of the Church. This guide explains its two parts, its origin, and its meaning.
The Text of the Ave Maria
“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.”
The Two Parts
The prayer divides into two moments:
- Biblical Part – combines the greeting of the angel Gabriel in the Annunciation (Annunciation) (“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee,” Lk 1:28) with the greeting of Elizabeth in the Visitation (Visitation) (“blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,” Lk 1:42). The name “Jesus” was added to specify who this fruit is.
- Eclesial Part – the supplication “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death,” fixed in tradition and generalized from the 16th century. The title ‘Mother of God’ confesses the dogma of Theotokos.
Its Meaning
In the Ave Maria, we praise God’s work in Mary and entrust ourselves to her maternal intercession in two decisive moments: “now” (the present of each life) and “at the hour of our death.” It is the prayer that best summarizes the Marian faith of the Church.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Ave Maria come from?
The first part is biblical (Lk 1:28 and 1:42); the second was formulated by the tradition of the Church.
Why do we say “Mother of God”
Because Jesus, son of Mary, is God: the title was defined at the Council of Ephesus (431).
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