Hail, Holy Queen

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, 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 vale 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 merciful, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen.

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The background of Hail, Holy Queen

The Hail, Holy Queen is a Catholic prayer that dates back to medieval times. It is a prayer to the Virgin Mary, typically recited at the end of the Rosary and other devotional practices.

The prayer begins with the words “Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,” which reflects its emphasis on Mary’s role as a compassionate intercessor for humanity.

The origins of the Hail, Holy Queen are uncertain, but it is believed to have been written in the 12th century by Hermann of Reichenau, a German Benedictine monk and prolific hymn writer.

The prayer was popularized in the 16th century, when it was included in the Roman Breviary, a collection of liturgical texts used by priests and religious orders.

The Hail, Holy Queen has since become a beloved prayer of the Catholic Church, and it is often recited in personal and communal prayer. It has been set to music by many composers and is a staple of Marian devotions around the world.

The prayer’s themes of Mary’s intercession and her role as Queen of Heaven reflect Catholic beliefs about Mary’s unique relationship with God and her ongoing presence and care for humanity.