The “Je Vous Salue Marie” is the French version of the Hail Mary, one of the most beloved and fundamental prayers in Catholic tradition, deeply rooted in Scripture. It combines words spoken by the angel Gabriel during the Annunciation (“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee” – Luke 1:28) with those of Elizabeth at the Visitation (“Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” – Luke 1:42), both found in the Gospel of Luke.
The prayer consists of two parts: the first half recounts these biblical salutations to Mary, while the second half is a heartfelt petition asking for her intercession – “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.” This structure beautifully balances scriptural praise with supplication.
The Hail Mary in French
Je Vous Salue Marie
Je Vous Salue Marie
Je vous salue, Marie, pleine de grâce,
Le Seigneur est avec vous.
Vous êtes bénie entre toutes les femmes et Jésus,
le fruit de vos entrailles, est béni.
Sainte Marie, mère de Dieu,
priez pour nous, pécheurs,
maintenant et à l’heure de notre mort.
Amen.
