Hail Mary
Ave Maria
The first half is Scripture: the angel’s greeting at the Annunciation and Elizabeth’s words at the Visitation. The second half, asking Mary to pray for us now and at death, was added by the Church and settled into its present form by the 16th century. Praying it fifty times over is what the Rosary is built on.
Luke 1:28, 42; second half 16th century
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.