👸 Hail Holy Queen – Salve Regina Prayer
The Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina) is one of the most beautiful and beloved prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This prayer is traditionally recited at the end of the Rosary and is a powerful expression of our trust in Mary's intercession and her role as our spiritual mother and queen.
Hail Holy Queen Prayer
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
Our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us.
And after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.
Latin Version (Salve Regina)
Salve Regina, Mater misericordiae,
Vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve.
Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae.
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia ergo, Advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte.
Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.
O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.
Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix.
Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.
Amen.
Meaning and Significance
The Hail Holy Queen is a powerful prayer that expresses several key aspects of our relationship with Mary:
- • Mary as Queen - We acknowledge Mary as the Queen of Heaven and Earth
- • Mary as Mother of Mercy - We recognize her role as the dispenser of God's mercy
- • Our spiritual mother - We turn to her as our mother in the order of grace
- • Our advocate - We ask for her intercession before God
- • Our hope - We place our trust in her maternal care
- • Our guide to Jesus - We ask her to show us her Son
This prayer beautifully captures the Catholic understanding of Mary's role in salvation history and her ongoing intercession for the Church.
When to Pray the Hail Holy Queen
- • At the end of the Rosary - Traditional conclusion to the Rosary
- • During Marian devotions - As part of other prayers to Mary
- • In times of need - When seeking Mary's intercession
- • Before important decisions - Asking for Mary's guidance
- • During the Liturgy of the Hours - In the Office of Compline
- • On Marian feast days - To honor the Blessed Virgin
- • As a family prayer - Teaching children devotion to Mary
Spiritual Benefits
Mary's Intercession
This prayer invokes Mary's powerful intercession before her Son, Jesus Christ.
Comfort in Suffering
The prayer acknowledges our suffering and asks for Mary's comfort and mercy.
Hope for Heaven
We express our hope to see Jesus through Mary's intercession after this earthly exile.
Deepens Devotion
Regular recitation deepens our love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Biblical Foundation
The Hail Holy Queen is deeply rooted in Scripture and Catholic tradition:
- • Luke 1:28 - "Hail, full of grace" (Angel Gabriel's greeting)
- • Luke 1:42 - "Blessed are you among women" (Elizabeth's greeting)
- • John 19:27 - Jesus entrusting Mary to John, and us to Mary
- • Revelation 12:1 - "A woman clothed with the sun" (Mary as Queen)
- • Genesis 3:15 - The protoevangelium, Mary as the new Eve
- • Psalm 45:9 - "The queen stands at your right hand"
This prayer reflects the Church's understanding of Mary's role in salvation history and her ongoing maternal care for all believers.
Historical Background
The Hail Holy Queen was composed in the 11th century, traditionally attributed to Hermann of Reichenau (1013-1054), a Benedictine monk. It became one of the four Marian antiphons sung at the end of the Liturgy of the Hours, particularly at Compline (Night Prayer).
The prayer has been beloved by Catholics for centuries and is often set to beautiful Gregorian chant. It expresses the Church's deep devotion to Mary and her role as our spiritual mother and queen.
Tips for Prayer
- • Pray with devotion - Say the words slowly and reflect on their meaning
- • Use both languages - Try praying in both English and Latin
- • Learn the chant - The Gregorian chant version is especially beautiful
- • Pray as a family - Teach children this beautiful prayer
- • Make it a habit - Include it in your daily prayer routine
- • Reflect on the imagery - Consider the "valley of tears" and "exile"
- • Ask for specific intentions - Present your needs to Mary through this prayer
Related Prayers
Hail Mary
Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, combining the words of the Angel Gabriel and Saint Elizabeth.
How to Pray the Rosary
Complete step-by-step guide to praying the Rosary with all mysteries.
Magnificat
Mary's song of praise, also known as the Canticle of Mary.