The Hail Mary

The Hail Mary is the most widely known Catholic prayer to the Virgin Mary, combining Gabriel's greeting at the Annunciation, Elizabeth's greeting at the Visitation, and the Church's petition for Mary's intercession (CCC 2676–2677).

The Structure of the Prayer

The first half comes directly from Scripture: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Luke 1:28) — Gabriel's greeting — followed by "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Luke 1:42) — Elizabeth's greeting. The name "Jesus" was added by the Church. The second half is the Church's petition: "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death."

Why Catholics Pray to Mary

Asking Mary to pray for us is not the same as worshipping her. Catholics ask Mary to intercede in the same way they ask any holy person to pray for them — except that Mary is the Mother of God, uniquely united to Christ, and her intercession is unmatched among creatures (CCC 2673–2675).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Catholics ask Mary to pray for us "at the hour of our death"? Death is the most critical moment of human life — the moment of final choice and judgment. Asking Mary's intercession at that moment is asking the most powerful intercessor available to pray for us when we need it most.

Is the Hail Mary biblical? The first half of the prayer is almost entirely Scripture (Luke 1:28 and 1:42). The second half, added by the Church, is a petition flowing directly from the title "Mother of God" — itself a defined dogma with deep Scriptural roots.