Regina Coeli: Queen of Heaven

The Regina Coeli (“Queen of Heaven”) is a traditional Marian prayer. During the Easter season (from Easter until Pentecost), the Regina Coeli is recited in place of the Angelus, that ancient prayer of the Church which has traditionally been recited at noon and again at 6:00 p.m.

The prayer dates back to at least the 1200s. According to legend, Pope St. Gregory the Great heard angels chanting the first three lines one Easter morning in Rome. He was inspired to add the fourth line.

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THE REGINA COELI

Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia. / For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.

Has risen, as he said, alleluia. / Pray for us to God, alleluia.

Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia. / 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.