👑 Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven)
The Regina Caeli is one of four Marian antiphons, with following versicles and prayers, traditionally said or sung after night prayer, immediately before going to sleep. It is said throughout Eastertide — that is, from Easter Day through Pentecost, the seventh Sunday after Easter. The Regina Caeli is also said in place of the Angelus during Eastertide.
Queen of Heaven (English)
V. Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
R. For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.
V. Has risen, as he said, alleluia.
R. Pray for us to God, alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.
R. For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.
Let us pray.
O God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Regina Caeli (Latin)
V. Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia.
R. Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia.
V. Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia.
R. Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.
V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia.
R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia.
Oremus.
Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Iesu Christi, mundum laetificare dignatus es: praesta, quaesumus; ut per eius Genetricem Virginem Mariam, perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
When to Pray the Regina Caeli
- • Throughout Eastertide - From Easter Sunday through Pentecost (7th Sunday after Easter)
- • In place of the Angelus - Three times daily at 6:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM
- • After Night Prayer - Traditionally said or sung before going to sleep
- • When you hear church bells - Many churches ring bells for this prayer during Easter
- • During Easter celebrations - At Mass and other Easter liturgies
- • As a family - Pray together to celebrate the resurrection
Historical Background
The Regina Caeli is one of the four seasonal Marian antiphons of the Catholic Church, along with the Alma Redemptoris Mater, Ave Regina Caelorum, and Salve Regina. Its origins date back to the medieval period, though the exact author remains unknown.
According to tradition, Pope Gregory the Great (590-604) heard angels singing the first three lines of this antiphon during a procession in Rome, and he added the fourth line himself. However, this legend is not historically verified.
The prayer was officially adopted for use during Eastertide by Pope Benedict XIV in 1742, who decreed that it should replace the Angelus during the Easter season.
Meaning and Symbolism
Queen of Heaven
Mary is addressed as Queen of Heaven, honoring her role as the Mother of Christ the King and her assumption into heavenly glory.
Rejoice (Laetare)
The call to rejoice reflects the Easter joy at Christ's resurrection, inviting Mary and all the faithful to share in this triumph over death.
Alleluia
The repeated "alleluia" (praise the Lord) emphasizes the joyful character of the Easter season and our gratitude for salvation.
Intercession
The prayer asks Mary to intercede for us, that through her prayers we may obtain the joys of everlasting life.
The Four Marian Antiphons
The Regina Caeli is one of four seasonal Marian antiphons used in the Liturgy of the Hours:
- • Alma Redemptoris Mater - From Advent to the Presentation (Feb 2)
- • Ave Regina Caelorum - From the Presentation to Holy Thursday
- • Regina Caeli - From Easter Sunday to Pentecost
- • Salve Regina - From Trinity Sunday to the Saturday before Advent
Spiritual Benefits
Easter Joy
Helps maintain the joy of Easter throughout the entire Easter season, keeping the resurrection at the center of our prayer life.
Marian Devotion
Strengthens our devotion to Mary and reminds us of her unique role in salvation history as the Mother of the Risen Lord.
Hope of Heaven
Renews our hope in the resurrection and eternal life, reminding us of the ultimate goal of our Christian journey.
Unity with the Church
Unites us with Catholics around the world who pray this same prayer during Eastertide, strengthening the bonds of communion.
Biblical Foundation
The Regina Caeli is deeply rooted in Scripture:
- • Luke 1:28 - "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" - The angel's greeting to Mary
- • Luke 24:6-7 - "He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you..." - The resurrection announcement
- • Revelation 12:1 - "A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun" - Mary as Queen of Heaven
- • John 20:20 - "The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord" - The joy of the resurrection
How to Pray the Regina Caeli
Structure of the Prayer
1. The Antiphon
Recite the four versicles and responses, each followed by "alleluia."
2. The Versicle
"Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia. For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia."
3. The Collect Prayer
Conclude with the prayer asking for the joys of everlasting life through Mary's intercession.
Tips for Praying
- • Pray with joy, celebrating the resurrection
- • Meditate on the meaning of each "alleluia"
- • Imagine Mary rejoicing at Jesus' resurrection
- • Ask Mary's intercession for eternal life
- • Consider singing the prayer, as it was traditionally sung