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A "Hail Mary" is a traditional Catholic prayer that asks for the Virgin Mary's intercession and protection. It is one of the most commonly recited prayers in Catholicism and is often repeated as part of the rosary, a devotional practice central to Catholic spiritual life.
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The Annunciation by Fra Angelico, 1433–1434
The Hail Mary or Ave Maria (from its first words in Latin), also known as the Angelic Salutation, is a traditional Catholic prayer addressing Mary, the mother of Jesus. The prayer is based on two biblical passages featured in the Gospel of Luke: the Angel Gabriel's visit to Mary (the Annunciation) and Mary's subsequent visit to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist (the Visitation). It is also called the Angelical Salutation, as the prayer is based on the Archangel Gabriel's words to Mary. The Hail Mary is a prayer of praise for and of petition to Mary, regarded as the Theotokos (Mother of God). Since the 16th century, the version of the prayer used in the Catholic Church closes with an appeal for her intercession. The prayer takes different forms in various traditions and has often been set to music.