The Devotion of the Three Hail Mary’s

(Said prostrate or kneeling – before bed and after rising)

Hail Mary.

By thy pure and Immaculate Conception, O Mary, make my body pure and my soul holy. O my Mother, preserve me this day (night) from mortal sin.

Hail Mary.

By thy pure and Immaculate Conception, O Mary, make my body pure and my soul holy. O my Mother, preserve me this day (night) from mortal sin.

Hail Mary.

By thy pure and Immaculate Conception, O Mary, make my body pure and my soul holy. O my Mother, preserve me this day (night) from mortal sin.

Our Lady gave St. Melchtilde this devotion back in the 13th century. It was prayed for strength in combat, wisdom, and charity. St. Mechtilde was given this devotion after beseeching Our Lady to assist her at the hour of her death. A promise was also made by Our Lady to St. Gertrude concerning this devotion that she would fill the soul who prays the Three Hail Mary’s with heavenly consolation at death. The Three Hail Mary’s were prayed in honor of the Persons of the Blessed Trinity Who made Our Lady “full of grace.” This devotion is prayed, therefore, in honor of Our Lady’s purity. After each Hail Mary is prayed: “O my Mother, preserve me this day (night) from mortal sin.” St. Leonard of Port Maurice recommended this be prayed in honor of Mary Immaculate to be preserved from mortal sins both day and night. This devotion is especially prayed for holy purity. It was also recommended by Saints such as St. Anthony of Padua. St. Alphonsus says to pray it before going to bed at night and after rising in the morning–adding “by thy pure and Immaculate Conception, O Mary, make my body pure and my soul holy” after each Hail Mary. One of the promises attached to this devotion is the grace of final perseverance. This practice was given an indulgence by Pope Leo XIII.
*post written by a friend of mine