During the Easter season, the universal Church prays the prayer Regina Coeli, or Queen of Heaven, to joyfully unite with the Mother of God in celebrating the Resurrection of her Son Jesus Christ, who conquered death in this way.
The recitation of the antiphon of Regina Coeli was established by Pope Benedict XIV in 1742 and replaced, during the Easter season – from the celebration of the Resurrection until Pentecost Sunday – the recitation of the Angelus, whose meditation focuses on the mystery of the Incarnation.
Like the Angelus, the Regina Coeli is prayed three times a day, at dawn, noon, and sunset, to consecrate the day to God and the Virgin Mary.
The author of this liturgical composition, which dates back to the twelfth century, is unknown, but it is known that the Franciscan friars repeated it after Compline (Liturgy of the Hours) in the first half of the following century. Later, it was popularized and spread throughout the Christian world.
Queen of Heaven
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.
