What are the scriptural origins of the Hail Mary prayer?
The Hail Mary (Ave Maria) is almost entirely taken directly from Sacred Scripture. The first line combines the greeting of Archangel Gabriel at the Annunciation: 'Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you' (Luke 1:28) and Elizabeth's greeting inspired by the Holy Spirit at the Visitation: 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb' (Luke 1:42). The second petitionary half—'Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death'—was formulated by the Church to invoke the Mother of God's intercession.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2676-2677
- Luke 1:28
- Luke 1:42
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.