Antiphona ad Magnificat (I Vesperis)

This antiphon quotes the Angelic Salutation: 'Ave Maria, gratia plena: Dominus tecum: benedicta tu in mulieribus' (Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women). From Luke 1:28, the angel Gabriel's greeting becomes the foundation of all Marian prayer. The feast of the Holy Rosary commemorates the victory at Lepanto (1571), attributed to rosary devotion. At First Vespers, this antiphon establishes that the Rosary is built upon Scripture: each Ave Maria repeats Gabriel's words and Elizabeth's blessing.