The Hail Mary

In this volume, Nicholas Ayo presents a compendium study of the Hail Mary, one that is at once historical and exegetical, as well as critical and meditative. He examines the quintessential Marian prayer word by word and line by line, analysing each phrase in itself and in relation to the other phrases, a method that is designed to enable readers to study the prayer for maximum understanding, appreciation and spiritual gain. Ayo considers the Hail Mary from every angle, taking into consideration its history, language, literary quality, theory and spirituality. In addition to an in-depth study of the prayer itself, "The Hail Mary" includes an overview of the larger issues of Marian theory and devotion, a review of Mary in the biblical scriptures and in the apocrypha and a summary review of the place of the Virgin Mary in the hearts and prayers of Christian men and women. Although Ayo treats the Hail Mary as it is known today, he also provides an anthology of commentary on the prayer from over the centuries, including the reflections of such writers as Thomas Aquinas, Matilda of Helfta and Caryll Houselander, among others. This study should be of interest to clergy and all Christians who seek a greater undestanding of the fundamentals of their faith and devotion.