Hail, O Mary, full of grace

"Hail, O Mary, full of grace,
daughter true of David's race!
Thou, of women first and best,
art beyond all others blessed.

"Fear not, thou shalt bear a Son,
aided by the Holy One;
greater than the greatest, he
Son of God most high shall be."

Thus the holy angel said,
Blessed Mary bowed her head:
:"Lo, the handmaid of the Lord;
with his word may all accord."

So to hearts still undefiled
comes the promise of a child,
full of joy, akin to tears,
full of hope, yet full of fears.

Happy she who answers still,
"Be it, Lord, as thy sweet will;
all I am to thee I owe,
all thy purpose thou dost know.

"What thou givest to be mine,
may it ne'er be aught but thine:
be it good or be it ill,
still be all at thy sweet will."

Holy Mary, taught by thee
let us vain forebodings flee.
God is giving; fears must cease:
in his will is perfect peace.

Words: Gilbert White, 1919

Music: Palms of Glory

Meter: 77 77

Website compiled by Steve Benner, 2000-2003.