The “Ave Maria” is the Latin 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 Latin
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus tecum.
Benedicta tu in mulieribus,
et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei,
ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc,
et in hora mortis nostrae.
Amen.
