The Hail Mary or Ave Maria (Latin) is a traditional Catholic
prayer asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the
mother of Jesus. The prayer incorporates two passages from Saint
Luke’s Gospel: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee,
blessed art thou amongst women” (Luke 1:28) and “Blessed art
thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” (Luke
1:42) Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
(Mormons) do not worship Mary. However we love, revere and honor
her. I recently wrote about how Mother Mary Went The Distance
both physically and spiritually. I feel a deep reverence for
Mary personally, and I have thought of her often this Christmas
season. Perhaps, as a mother myself, I feel a closer bond with
her. The fact that she was chosen to perform the mission of
being the earthly mother of God’s Only Begotten Son, to bear and
nurture him through his growing years, indicates that she was a
chosen and exceptional spirit. LDS Apostle Elder Bruce R.
McConkie wrote, “We cannot b