The modern English "Hail Mary" that we've learned is weighed down by two words that are used only to give genderist connotation rather than to enlighten the reader or to give praise to Mary. Here is a different version where Mary is blessed among us all, and where full appreciation if offered for both the natural part and the nurturing part of her presence in the life of Jesus.
It isn't only the humble birthing of Jesus in the cave, but also the parental teaching and motherly support throughout the earth-bound life of Jesus; giving discipline to the child lost for three days and encouragment to the young man at the wedding at Canaan.
There's another distancing element, in the greeting part of the prayer, when it is said, "The Lord is with you" rather than the older tradition of "Our Lord is with you". The impersonal pronoun implies a subservience that we may or may not share, but the more personal "our" is makes it clear that we are connected with Mary and share our common relationship with God.
Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with you.
Blessed are you, and
Blessed is the fruit of your motherhood, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us, sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Sandstrone Madonna found in the desert of Southern California
Christmas day 1990.
