Devotions of the Three Hail Marys: Exploring Tradition and Blessings

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO OUR LADY OF THE BLESSED TRINITY

With all my heart I praise Thee, Most Holy Virgin above all angels and saints in Paradise, Daughter of the Eternal Father, and I consecrate to Thee my soul with all its faculties.

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

With all my heart I praise Thee, Most Holy Virgin above all angels and saints in Paradise, beloved Mother of the Son of God. I consecrate to Thee my body with all its senses.

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

With all my heart I praise Thee, Most Holy Virgin above all angels and saints in Paradise, beloved Spouse of the Holy Ghost, I consecrate to Thee my heart, with all its affections and beseech Thee to obtain for me from the Most Holy Trinity all the graces necessary for salvation.

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

Morning: “O my Mother, preserve me from mortal sin during this day,” 

Evening: “O my Mother, preserve me from mortal sin during this night.”

Practice: Recite, morning and evening, three Hail Marys in honor of the three great privileges, with this invocation at the end: for the morning: “O my Mother, preserve me from mortal sin during this day,” for the evening: “O my Mother, preserve me from mortal sin during this night.”

History and Tradition:

The Devotions of the Three Hail Marys trace their origins back to the thirteenth century, attributed to Saint Mechtilde of Hackeborn, a Benedictine nun. According to tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Mechtilde, encouraging her to recite three Hail Marys every morning in honor of the Holy Trinity and for the virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

Over the centuries, this devotion gained popularity among the faithful, becoming a cherished part of Catholic spirituality. It symbolizes reverence for the Blessed Mother and invokes her intercession for the graces necessary for spiritual growth and holiness.

Importance According to the Catechism:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church underscores the importance of devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, as an integral aspect of Catholic piety. Mary holds a unique and exalted place in salvation history, being chosen by God to bear His Son and participate intimately in His redemptive mission.

The Three Hail Marys devotion aligns with the Church's teachings on prayer, devotion, and the role of Mary in the life of believers. Through these prayers, Catholics express their love for Mary and seek her maternal intercession in their spiritual journey.

Blessings and Spiritual Benefits:

The practice of reciting the Three Hail Marys is believed to bestow numerous blessings upon those who faithfully observe it. Among these blessings are:

Spiritual Protection: The Three Hail Marys serve as a shield against spiritual dangers and temptations, invoking the protection of the Blessed Mother in times of need.

Increase in Virtue: Through regular devotion to Mary, believers aspire to grow in the virtues of faith, hope, and charity, emulating her example of humility and obedience to God's will.

Union with the Holy Trinity: By invoking the Holy Trinity while reciting the Hail Marys, Catholics deepen their relationship with God and strive for greater intimacy with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

References:

The Holy Bible, Luke 1:28, 42

Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraphs 2673 - 2679

In conclusion, the Devotions of the Three Hail Marys offer believers a profound opportunity to express their love and devotion to the Blessed Mother while seeking her powerful intercession in their lives. As members of the Brotherhood of Ascension, let us embrace this sacred tradition with reverence and humility, drawing closer to Mary and experiencing the abundant graces she imparts through her maternal care.