As someone enthralled by Pope St. John Paul’s Theology of the Body, I love the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the day where the words of the “Hail Mary” prayer were first spoken by the Angel Gabriel (see Luke 1:26) to Mary. This was the moment when the Word became Flesh—the Son became embodied as a human fetus (while remaining divine) in the body of a woman, Mother Mary. This, the Incarnation, changed history.

One thousand nine hundred and seventy-five years later, during an NFL playoff game with only 32 seconds left, a Dallas Cowboy quarterback and faithful Catholic named Roger Staubach recalled, “I closed my eyes, said a ‘Hail Mary,’ and launched the ball as far as I could.” Drew Pearson caught it, and the Cowboys squeaked by with a victory. Thus began the expression the “Hail Mary Pass.”

In fact, in everyday parlance, Catholics, Protestants, non-Christians, and even atheists use the term “Hail Mary,” referring to launching a last-ditch effort of things such as a business proposal or event—there is even a newly released major movie entitled the “Hail Mary Project.” Some might argue that such a slogan waters down the truth of the Incarnation, but I would say it is a form of evangelization.

Recently, I had the privilege of meeting Roger Staubach and his wife Marianne at their home. They are wonderful, down-to-earth (interesting saying, isn’t it, like the Son came down-to-earth) people of deep faith. Taught by nuns, they met in 4th grade at the Catholic school they both attended and, of course, would pray the Hail Mary with the sisters. I asked Roger what he thought of evangelizing the world through his Hail Mary Pass? He simply replied, “I just want to go to Heaven.” I responded, “I have a feeling when that time comes, Mother Mary will be the first to greet you to thank you.” He then showed me his silver ring, which had the entire Hail Mary etched on it, given to him by one of his daughters in 2025—the 50th anniversary of the Hail Mary Pass.

Roger Staubach and his Hail Mary Ring

While the Hail Mary Pass was a last-ditch effort, Pope St. John Paul speculates that the Incarnation was not. Rather, he ponders as to whether the Son would have become human even if Adam and Eve had not fallen. In other words, instead of merely repairing the damage done, the Incarnation was always going to be the fulfillment of God’s creative plan. Although not explicitly stated in the Theology of the Body, the fact that the human body is ultimately ordered toward union and communion with God suggests such a loving, “down-to-earth” act was always part of God’s game plan for humanity!

Marianne and Roger Staubach had not heard of the Theology of the Body until I was able to introduce this fantastic teaching to them, discussing it briefly with them and giving them some of TOBET’s books. Right away, they saw the significance of this teaching for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. What they didn’t know is that their fidelity and love for each other, and the communion of persons they formed (their family), is what Pope St. John Paul says is the best natural sign of God and of the Church; they have been living the Theology of the Body for years in their fantastic witness of family life.

Roger Staubach with Monica Ashour

As we approach Holy Week, let’s ponder with Mother Mary the Sacred Body of her Son, from womb to tomb, and finally to the Victory of the Risen Body of our Lord. And launch up a “Hail Mary” in gratitude for such a gratuitous gift!

Monica Ashour is president and author of 28 books.