Pray for Us Sinners
Ever heard of a "Hail Mary"?
In sports, the term "Hail Mary" refers to a long pass in American Football, a hopeful and sometimes desperate attempt to score a touchdown from across the field.
Many are more familiar with the term in its original context. "Hail Mary" refers to a Catholic hymn or prayer, originally titled in Latin, Ave Maria
Perhaps the most famous prayer in Catholicism, the Ave Maria has been said or sung by hundreds of thousands of believers every day.
It begins with the words of a conversation between Mary and the Angel Gabriel, a daily reminder of the divine role Mary played in the salvation of the world.
It concludes with the request, "pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death."
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.
Like all paintings of the Virgin and Child, Titian's image has its roots in the Christian doctrine of divine intercession.
Mary could secure blessings on behalf of a devoted person, both in the immediate concerns of everyday life ("now") and at the final judgement when the fate of their soul would be decided ("the hour of our death").
Whether a painting emphasised her humanity or her divinity, this type of image focused on the Virgin and hearkened back to the Medieval Icon, serving as both a reminder and an opportunity to pray.
