What Does it Mean to Say Ten Hail Marys?
The Hail Mary is an important prayer to many Christian denominations. Particularly to Catholics, the Hail Mary is an important part of reciting the catholic Rosary. A Rosary is a group of beads split into sections of ten. There is then separation between the end of tenth bead in each section that is followed by a solitary bead, and another separation, then a sequence of ten more beads. Additionally, the rosary has a cross and five separate beads that begin the contemplative prayer.
Saying 10 Hail Marys is essentially saying a section of the rosary. The Hail Mary is repeated 10 times in each section. As well as speaking or silently thinking the prayer, Catholics use the repetition of the Hail Mary as a way to meditate on Christ. They might devote a section of the rosary to certain thoughts, or to family members. For example, often prior to a Catholic funeral, a rosary and prayer service may be held.
The Hail Mary prayer is as follows: Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among 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 Hail Mary both asks for the prayers of Mary, as one might ask anyone to pray for them. Mary is very significant in Christian teaching, and is often besought as one of great compassion. It was also thought, when the beliefs of Hell and Purgatory were once a very vital part of Catholicism, that only the prayers of those in Heaven could eventually help one trapped in purgatory. Asking for Mary’s prayers is asking for one of the best souls in heaven to pray for you.
It is commonly misunderstood that the Hail Mary elevates Mary to the status of Godhood. This is not the case. Instead, one merely is asking for Mary’s attention and prayers. Since Christians believe in an afterlife, it is not uncommon to talk to one’s dead relatives, or to the saints and ask for their prayers. This is different than supplications to God.
Repetition of prayers is a quite common way to produce a meditative state in which one may have more access to the divine. Most people do not have to fumble over the Hail Mary, since they know it by heart. The repetition allows one to shut off the conscious part of one’s mind and achieve union with God in a very different way than a more consciously produced prayer.
As well as saying the Hail Mary, the rosary also includes the “Our Father,” “The Glory Be,” and “The Apostle’s Creed,” in several repetitions. As well, there are special prayers said for different separations between the decades of beads.
Written by Tricia Ellis-Christensen
