# The Power of the Three Hail Marys
*2016-05-06*

> Bill Young explains the traditional devotion of reciting three Hail Marys each day, its origins, and the promises attached to it, especially for the hour of death.

## Why a Lunchtime Devotion?

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. This episode falls on the National Day of Prayer, and I wanted to share a devotion that fits into the middle of our day. While we already have morning and evening prayers, I felt something was missing at lunchtime—whether we’re at a desk, in a car, or on a break. A short, portable prayer can keep us centered. My son and I are even working on an iPhone app to make it easier to pray with today’s technology.

## The Three Hail Marys

The devotion of the three Hail Marys is rooted in a revelation to St. Matilda, who feared the moment of death and asked the Virgin Mary for assistance. Mary’s reassuring reply was addressed to all souls: recite three Hail Marys daily.

1. The first Hail Mary thanks the Eternal Father for making us “Almighty in heaven and on earth.”
2. The second honors the Son of God for granting knowledge and wisdom that surpasses all saints and angels, and for bathing us in a splendor that lights up paradise like the sun.
3. The third honors the Holy Spirit for kindling in our hearts the ardent flame of divine love, making us good and gracious, ever seeking God’s mercy.

## Mary’s Promises

Mary promises special graces to those who keep this devotion:
• At the hour of death, she will be with us, comforting us and keeping every evil force at bay.
• She will fill us with the light of faith and knowledge so that ignorance cannot tempt us.
• She will assist us at death, transforming pain and bitterness into great sweetness through the holiness of divine love.

## The Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Mary, Mother of Jesus and my mother, defend me from the snares of the devil in this life and especially at the hour of death, through the power granted to you by the Eternal Father.

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, my loving Mother, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

*Reciting three Hail Marys each day invites Mary’s protection and the promise of a sweet, holy death.*