Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven)
The Regina Caeli is a joyful Marian antiphon prayed during the Easter season, replacing the Angelus from Holy Saturday through Pentecost. It celebrates Mary's joy at her Son's resurrection and invites all Christians to share in the Easter triumph over death.
✝Prayer Text
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 Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we beseech You, 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.
⏰When to Pray
Pray the Regina Caeli during the Easter season (from Holy Saturday through Pentecost Sunday), replacing the Angelus at 6:00 AM, noon, and 6:00 PM. It is also prayed at the end of Night Prayer during this season.
📖How to Pray
During the Easter season, pray the Regina Caeli standing (never kneeling, as a sign of the Resurrection) at the traditional Angelus times. The "alleluias" express Easter joy—pray them with a glad heart, celebrating Christ's victory over death.
📜Related Scripture
Matthew 28:5-6
“The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said."”
Luke 24:5-6
“Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised.”
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
📚History & Background
The Regina Caeli dates to the 12th century and is one of the four seasonal Marian antiphons. Legend attributes it to Pope Gregory the Great, who reportedly heard angels singing it during an Easter procession. Pope Benedict XIV (1742) prescribed its use as a replacement for the Angelus during Eastertide.
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