From Franz Schubert to Roger Staubach: ‘Hail Mary’ through history

As the old year gives way to the new, it is timely to recall two important anniversaries of the venerable Marian prayer, which has its genesis in the words addressed to the Virgin Mary by the Archangel Gabriel and became the Ave Maria a thousand years ago. Composer Franz Schubert set it to memorable music 200 years ago, and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach, a devout Catholic, threw a game-winning “Hail Mary” pass to Drew Pearson on Dec. 28, 1975. [Videos at the Register site.]