Next up in my study of Mariology will be the prayer devotions to Mother Mary. This will include all the most famous Marian prayers and hymns. I find most prayers can be broken up into about four categories; the standard fixed prayer, a sequential repetitive prayer, a liturgical public prayer, and the musical hymn. Of course at the heart of most Marian prayers is the standard Hail Mary. This famous prayer is derived from scripture passages during the Annunciation and the Visitation. This prayer also makes up the bulk of the 2nd most famous Marian set of prayers; the Rosary. The prayer beads of the Rosary are the ultimate devotional object when it comes to anything pertaining to Mary. After this would come the brown scapular, icons, statues, and even prayer candles.
Prayer Devotions & Hymns
Hail Mary
- Type: Scriptural prayer, devotional, intercessory
- Development History:
- 300-500s- Early church uses Gabriel's greeting to refer to Mary
- 6th-11th century- Elizabeth's words are added to the prayer
- 12th-15th century- Prayer becomes more widespread and common
- 16th century- Final current structure is established
- Prayer Structure:
- Single continuous prayer
- 1st part is a Scriptural passage
- 2nd part is a petition for intercession
- Biblical Source:
- Luke 1:28 "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" - Angel Gabriel
- Luke 1:42 "Blessed art thou among women" - Elizabeth
- Summary: This is the most practiced Marian prayer that mixes scriptural passage with devotional petition. It is considered the standard core prayer for many other devotional cycles dedicated to Mary. The opening are biblical passages from the Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation and during Mary's visitation of Elizabeth. I especially like the closing intercession to pray for us now and at the hour of our death. It's simple, brief, and straight to the point.
- Prayer: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art you 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.
The Rosary
- Type: Prayer repetition, meditation, intercession prayer
- Development History:
- 12th century- Practice of Hail Mary cycles
- 1500s- Addition of the Sacred Mysteries (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious)
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- 16th century- Current prayer form developed by Dominican Order
- Prayer Structure:
- 59 beads broken up into decades; 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be (5 decades)
- Joyful Mysteries (Monday and Sundays)Annunciation
- Visitation
- Nativity
- Presentation in the Temple
- Finding of Jesus in the Temple
- Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Fridays)Agony in the Garden
- Scourging at the Pillar
- Crowning with Thorns
- Carrying of the Cross
- Crucifixion
- Glorious Mysteries (Wednesdays and Saturdays)Resurrection
- Ascension
- Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)
- Assumption of Mary
- Coronation of Mary
- Luminous Mysteries (Thursdays)Baptism in the Jordan
- Wedding at Cana
- Proclamation of the Kingdom
- Transfiguration
- Institution of the Eucharist (Last Supper)
- Biblical Source: Gospel events pertaining to Jesus and Mother Mary
- Summary: This is one of the most famous Marian prayers that consists of repetition cycles based off the rosary beeds. This is almost like a necklace with a crucifix at it's center connected to a line of 59 beeds (breaking up into 5 sections of 10 beeds depicting the sacred mysteries). The prayer is a devotional form of spiritual meditation, reflection on Christ, and calling upon Mary for intercession.
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Seven Sorrows of Mary
- Type: Rosary type, repetition, meditation, intercession prayer
- Development History:
- 13th century- Promoted by the Servite Order
- Late Middle Ages- Established into it's current prayer sequence structure
- Prayer Structure:
- 7 sections dedicated to Mary's sorrows (1 Our Father, 7 Hail Mary's for each decade)
- Seven Sorrows
- Prophecy of Simeon
- Flight into Egypt
- Loss of Jesus in the Temple
- Mary meets Jesus on the way to Calvary
- Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
- Mary receives the body of Jesus (Pieta)
- Burial of Jesus
- Biblical Source: Gospel Marian events
- Summary: This is a popular devotional title for Mary, that also has a prayer sequence associated to it established by the Servite Order. It's similar to the Rosary, and beads can be used however it has a slightly different numbering sequence. While the main rosary is more centered around Christ's life events this one is more particular to Mary's life events.
- Type: Rosary type, repetition, meditation, intercession prayer
- Development History:
- 15th century- Developed by Franciscan Order
- Prayer Structure:
- 7 sections dedicated to Mary's joys (1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys for each decade)
- Seven Joys
- Annunciation
- Visitation
- Nativity
- Adoration of the Magi
- Finding of Jesus in the Temple
- Resurrection
- Assumption/Coronation of Mary
- Biblical Source: Gospel events pertaining to Mary's life
- Summary: Also referred to as the Franciscan Crown, it's a rosary similar to the Seven Sorrows that focuses on the positive events of Mary's life. It however has more prayers in it then the standard Rosary and the Seven Sorrow Rosary at a total of 72 prayers (1 Our Father and 10 Hail Marys for each decade). Plus two additional Hail Marys so there are a total of 72 prayers, which is considered the be the number of years in Mary's life.
Regina Caeli
- Type: Devotional Hymn
- Development History:
- Middle Ages: Marian Easter Hymn
- 14th - 15th centuries- Established as seasonal Marian prayer
- Prayer Structure:
- Short hymn with verse response format
- Begins with statement, response, repitition, and closing prayer
- Biblical Source: Gospel pertaining to Mary
- Summary: This is a hymn or chant dedicated to Mary Queen of Heaven. It is commonly recited during the Easter Season or at Penetcost. It is similiar to the Angelus, however used during different seasons primarily at Easter time.
- Prayer: Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia. The son you merited to bear alleluia. Has risen as he said, alleluia. Pray to God for us, alleluia.
Novenas
- Type: 9-day prayer tradition (written text) or occasional rosarys
- Development History:
- Middle Ages: 9-day prayer tradition is formalized
- Modern Age: Structure systemic Novenas
- Prayer Structure: Small prayer booklets centered on faith, hope, charity;
- Summary: This is a 9-day prayer sequence often using a booklet of small prayers dedicated to Mary usually with a daily intention. The key here is the devotional time spent each day to reflect and pray deeply to Mary. Sometimes a Rosary prayer can be added as an optional addition. These can be practice anytime throughout the liturgical calendar as long as it happens in 9 sequential days. It is common to do Novenas close to Marian feast days such as Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Immaculate Conception, or the Assumption. They can also be prayed to devotional titles such as Our Lady of Fatima and Guadalupe.
Memorare
- Type: Petition Prayer
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- Development History:
- Middle Ages: Early roots of devotional prayer
- 15th- 17th century- prayer becomes popularized
- Prayer Structure: Single continuous prayer, no repetition or cycles.
- Summary: Short brief petition prayer that seeks Mary's intercession in times of need. The theme is form of trust and remembrance that Mary has never left anyone without aid.
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- Prayer: Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O mother of the word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.
Angelus
- Type: Scriptural, devotional, liturgical
- Development History:
- 1100s- Evening bell custom develops in monastic orders
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- 1300s- Angelus type prayers begin forming dedicated to Incarnation
- 15th- 16th century- Liturgical prayer format is established
- Prayer Structure: 3 part sequence; Scriptural verse, 3 hail Marys, concludes with prayer
- Biblical Source: Gospels pertaining to Christ and Mary
- Summary: Latin for Angel, this is a daily Marian prayer often practiced in liturgical celebrations or as personal devotion. It commemorates the Incarnation of Christ and the Annunciation of Mary thru a structure of biblical verses followed by 3 Hail Marys.
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- Prayer: The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, And she conceived of the holy Spirit (Hail Mary). Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy word (Hail Mary). And the word was made flesh. And dwelt among us. (Hail Mary). Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Consecration of Mary
- Type: Devotional act and system
- Development History:
- Middle Ages: Monastic practice in offering oneself to Mary in full devotion
- 1716- St. Louis de Montfort develops Consecration to Mary practice
- 1930s-1940s- St Maximillian Kolbe promotes practice
- Prayer Structure:
- 33 days of prayer/scriptures/reflection (often with a booklet guide)
- Final consecration act and prayer of dedication
- Scapular is often seen as a sign of dedication to Mary
- Summary: This is somewhat like an extended Novena, where one often does 33 days of preparation prayer before a final formal prayer that is seen as the official consecration to Mary (full devotion and offering). It's intended to be a formal obligation to Mary, but the devotion can often be renewed as one sees fit. The idea behind the preparation and final consecration is seen as a complete commitment and entrustment to the intercession of Mother Mary.
Ave Maria
- Type: Musical song of the Hail Mary prayer in Latin
- Development History:
- 9th century- Gregorian chant
- 12th century- Polyphony musical versions thru choir vocals
- 1400s- Renaissance masterpieces
- 1825- Schubert's famous version
- Most famous versions:
- Josquin des Prez (1485)- most beautiful in my opinion
- Tomas Luis de Victoria (1572)
- Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestrina (16th century)
- Schubert (1825)- considered most famous
- Bach/Gounod (1853)
- Bruckner (1861)
- Verdi (1889)
- Stravinsky (1934)
- Summary: This is one of the most beautiful musical hymn versions devoted to Mary. It's basically the Hail Mary prayer in pure Latin. The tradition began with the Gregorian chants and then became more widespread thru musical evolution. There are so many great classical versions of this, but my all time favorite is by Josquin des Prez.
- Prayer: Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostae. Amen.
Salve Regina
- Type: Marian hymn, invocation, praise
- Development History:
- 11th century- Attributed to Hermann of Reichenau or Bernard of Clairvaux, Benedictine monks
- 1200s- Established as one of the four seasonal Marian antiphons thru monasteries
- 1568- Standardized by Pope Pius V for universal use according to Roman Rite
- 1728- Latin translation of Salva Regina coelitum
- 1884- English translation of Hail, Holy Queen enthroned above
- Prayer Structure:
- It is a classic devotional structure that is often sung or recited
- It is normally assigned to period from Trinity Sunday to Advent at night.
- Famous Compositions:
- Tomas Luis de Victoria
- Giovanni Palestrina
- Francis Poulenc
- Franz Schubert
- Arvo Part
- Summary: It is one of the four Marian antiphons sung at different seasons within the Christian liturgical calendar. This one is sung during the Compline, also considered a night prayer. The hymn expresses humanity's praise and longing for mercy thru the Virgin Mary in a poetic form. It is also the final part of the Rosary prayer. I especially love the musical version performed in the film, Sister Act which is the english translation of Hail, Holy Queen enthroned above (1884).
- Prayer: Hail, Holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria! Hail, Mother of mercy and of love, O Maria! Triumph all ye cherubim! Sing with us ye seraphim! Heaven and earth resound the hymn! Salve, salve, salve, Regina! Our life, our sweetness here below, O Maria! Our hope in sorrow and in woe, O Maria! Triumph all ye cherubim! Sing with us ye seraphim! Heaven and earth resound the hymn! Salve, salve, salve, Regina! And when our last breath leaves us, O Maria! Show us thy son Christ Jesus, O Maria! Triumph all ye cherubim! Sing with us ye seraphim! Heaven and earth resound the hymn! Salve, salve, salve, Regina!
Litany of Loreto
- Type: Marian litany, petition
- Development History:
- 1500s- Litany of Loreto takes form at the Shrine of the Holy House in Loreto, Italy
- 1531- 1st printed version
- 1587- Pope Sixtus V officially approves the pray for public use in church
- Prayer Structure: Call-and-response chant format; Recital prayer
- Summary: Also referred to as the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is one of the most famous Marian prayers aside from the Hail Mary and Rosary. It is a call-and-response prayer often done in a group or congregational setting. It basically calls upon many of the Marian devotional titles to have mercy on us.
- Prayer: Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Christ hear us. Christ graciously hear us. God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, God the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, one God. Holy Mary, pray for us. Holy Mother of God, Holy Virgin of virgins, Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church, Mother of Mercy, Mother of divine grace, Mother of Hope, Mother most pure, Mother most chaste, Mother inviolate, Mother undefiled, Mother most amiable, Mother most admirable, Mother of good counsel, Mother of our Creator, Mother of our Savior, Virgin most prudent, Virgin most venerable, Virgin most renowned, Virgin most powerful, Virgin most merciful, Virgin most faithful, Mirror of justice, Seat of wisdom, Cause of our joy, Spiritual vessel, Vessel of honor, Singular vessel of devotion, Mystical rose, Tower of David, Tower of ivory, House of gold, Ark of the covenant, Gate of heaven, Morning star, Health of the sick, Refuge of sinners, Solace of Migrants, Comfort of the afflicted, Help of Christians, Queen of Angels, Queen of Patriarchs, Queen of Prophets, Queen of Apostles, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of Confessors, Queen of Virgins, Queen of all Saints, Queen conceived without original sin, Queen assumed into heaven, Queen of the most holy Rosary, Queen of families, Queen of peace. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord God, that we, your servants, may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body; and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sorrow, and obtain eternal joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hail Mary, Gentle Woman
- Type: Contemporary Marian hymn; congregational
- Development History:
- 1975- Written by Carey Landry and his wife Carol Jean King
- Prayer Structure: Simple modern song in prayer form with poetic devotional titles
- Summary: This is one of my favorite Marian songs that often played in mass when I was a kid. It opens with the Hail Mary prayer, then kicks into a poetic devotion of the "Gentle Woman". It celebrates Mary's peaceful, humble, and pious nature which is always my favorite form of Mary. It has such a wonderful melody to it.
- Prayer: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blest is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of death. Amen. Gentle woman, quiet light, morning star, so strong and bright, gentle Mother, peaceful dove, teach us wisdom; teach us love. You were chosen by the Father; you were chosen for the Son. You were chosen from all women and for woman, shining one. Gentle woman, quiet light, morning star, so strong and bright, gentle Mother, peaceful dove, teach us wisdom; teach us love. Blessed are you among women, blest in turn all women, too. Blessed they with peaceful spirits. Blessed they with gentle hearts. Gentle woman, quiet light, morning star, so strong and bright, gentle Mother, peaceful dove, teach us wisdom; teach us love.
Magnificat
- Type: Biblical canticle (Marian hymn/prayer)
- Development History:
- 1st century- originates from the Gospel of Luke
- 2nd- 4th century- develops into Christian worship and prayer
- 5th century- Incorporated I not daily liturgy and evening prayers
- Prayer Structure:
- Structured biblical hymnMary rejoices at the privilege of carrying God's child
- Mary glorifies God's power and his attention to the lowly
- Mary anticipates that the Messiah will transform the world
- Mary acknowledges that God has upheld his promise to Abraham and Israel
- Biblical Source: Luke 1:46-55
- Summary: This is one of the oldest Marian devotional prayers since it is a verbatim passage directly from the bible. These are the words Mary spoke during the Annunciation when the angel Gabriel told her she would carry the son of God. It has become an important part of the liturgy but also the liturgy of hours and Vespers evening prayers.
- Prayer: My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden: For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel: As he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
Alma Redemptoris Mater
- Type: Marian hymn
- Development History:
- 11th century- hymn first composed attributed to Hermann of Reichenau
- 12th century- Common in monastic liturgical practice
- 1200s- Recognized as one of the four Marian antiphons
- 1568- Officially established in Roman Rite
- Prayer Structure:
- Compact prayer that can be recited or sung
- It is sung from the first sunday of Advent to Feb 2 (Candlemas).
- Famous Compisitions:
- Palestrina
- Orlando di Lasso
- Giovanni Gabrieli
- Michael Praetorius
- Summary: It means Loving Mother of Our Redeemer and is one of the four Marian antiphons sung during Compline night prayer. It uses several Marian devotional titles such as Star of the Sea and Gateway of Heaven. It focuses on Mary's important role as the theotokos and protection of the people.
- Prayer: Loving Mother of the Redeemer, who remains the accessible Gateway of Heaven, and Star of the Sea, Give aid to a falling people that strives to rise; O Thou who begot thy holy Creator, while all nature marveled, Virgin before and after received that "Ave" from the mouth of Gabriel, have mercy on sinners.
Ave Regina Caelorum
- Type: Marian hymn
- Development History:
- 1100s- Originates without a specific author
- 12th- 13th century- Becomes used during monastic liturgical practice
- 1200s- Recognizes as one of the four Marian antiphons
- 1568- Standardized by Pope Pius V
- Prayer Structure:
- Short prayer recited or sung from Feb 2 (Candlemas) to the beginning of Holy Week
- Famous Compositions:
- Palestrina
- Tomas Luis de Victoria
- Guillame du fay
- William Byrd
- Joseph Haydn
- Summary: Hail, Queen of Heaven is one of the four Marian antiphons recited during the Compline Night Prayer. It glorifies Mary's role as Queen of Heaven and the angels. It praises Mary, asks for her intercession thru Christ, then closes with a farewell since it is usually recited before bed.
- Prayer: Hail, O Queen of Heaven. Hail, O Lady of Angels. Hail! Thou root, hail! Thou gate from whom unto the world a light has arisen. Rejoin, O glorious Virgin, lovely beyond all others. Farewell, most beautiful maiden, and pray for us to Christ.
Stabat Mater
- Type: Marian hymn
- Development History:
- 13th century- Jacopone da Todi from the Franciscan order is attributed as the author
- 15th century- Established as part of the liturgy
- 1545- Council of Trent suppresses the hymn
- 1727- Pope Benedict XIII restores the hymn
- Prayer Structure: Long poetic meditation that is sung or recited
- Famous Compositions:
- Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1736)
- Gioachino Rossini (1841)
- Antonin Dvorak (1877)
- Joseph Haydn (1767)
- Antonio Vivaldi (1712)
- Giovanni Palestrina (16 th century)
- Summary: Translated as the standing mother, it refers to the Blessed Mother Mary standing at the cross when her son Jesus was crucified. It is a long hymn sequence that is commonly used during the feast day of Our Lady of Sorrows. It has many famous classical compositions.
Immaculate Mary
- Type: Marian congregational hymn
- Development History:
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- 1850s- Originated in France associated with Our Lady of Lourdes
- 1880s- Develops into pilgrimage song titled "Cantique de Lourdes"
- 1890s- Translated into English as Immaculate Mary
- Prayer Structure: Verse, Refrain; congregational song
- Summary: This is another one of my favorite Marian songs that was often played in mass when I was younger. The original song was inspired by the apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes, but later became a standard hymn for Catholic worship. It is devoted to the Lady of Lourdes but also the Immaculate Conception.
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- Prayer: 1st verse: Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing. You reign now in splendor with Jesus our King. Refrain: Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Maria! 2nd verse: In heaven the blessed your glory proclaim; On earth we your children invoke your fair name. [Refrain] 3rd verse: We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth, And bless, Holy Mary, the land of our birth. [Refrain]
Easter Orthodox
O Virgin Pure
- Type: Marian Hymn
- Development History:
- 1846-1920- Composed by St. Nektarios of Aegina
- Prayer Structure: Litany of Praise, verse and refrain metrics
- Summary: This is a famous Greek Orthodox hymn dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It first became popular in the monastic communities then became widespread and was translated into many languages. It is a composition that is often accompanied with choirs.
Theotokion hymns
- Type: Marian hymn
- Development History:
- 5th- 7th century- Growth of Byzantine hymns dedicated to Mary
- 7th - 9th century- Theotokia becomes standard hymn in Byzantine liturgy (promoted by St. John of Damascus)
- Prayer Structure: Troparion (short hymn one stanza); stiheron (sung during evening hours)
- Famous Theotokion hymns:
- Axion Estin
- More Honorable then the Cherubim
- The Dogmatika
- Theotokia of the Hours
- O Champion Leader
- Summary: These are liturgical hymns made popular by Byzantine and later Eastern Catholic churches. It praises Mary as the theotokos during the canonical prayer hours or during regular liturgical services. There are many various types of Theotokions that are used according to the liturgical calendar.
Akathiast to the Theotokos
- Type: Marian devotional hymn
- Development History:
- 6th century- composed by Byzantine Empire
- 626- Song is linked to the protection of Constantinople from Persian siege
- 7th century- fully integrated into Byzantine liturgy
- Prayer Structure:
- 24 Stanzas following the Greek alphabet
- Narrative Arc of Mary life events
- Long sequences of Rejoice. 2 Refrains
- Summary: This is a form of Akathist hymn that are dedicated to Christ, Mary, the saints, or a holy event. This one in particular is dedicated to Mary as the theotokos (mother of God). It is considered one of the great poetic masterpieces of the Byzantine Eastern Catholic church. In eastern practice the hymn is recited or sung while standing in devotion and reverence .
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