The “Ave Maria“ is the Italian 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 Italian
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave, o Maria,
piena di grazia,
il Signore è con te.
Tu sei benedetta fra le donne
e benedetto è il frutto del tuo seno, Gesù.
Santa Maria, Madre di Dio,
prega per noi peccatori,
adesso e nell’ora della nostra morte.
Amen.
