Ave, Regina Caelorum

Hail, O Queen of Heaven enthroned!
Hail, by angels Mistress owned
Root of Jesse, Gate of morn,
Whence the world’s true Light was born.

Glorious Virgin, joy to thee,
Loveliest whom in Heaven they see:
Fairest thou where all are fair,
Plead with Christ our sins to spare.

(Indulgence, 5 years; plenary, under usual conditions, for month’s recitation).

---

Details about Ave, Regina Caelorum

Ave, Regina Caelorum is a Catholic prayer dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is one of the four Marian antiphons sung at different times of the year in the Catholic Church. The prayer dates back to the 12th century and is traditionally sung or recited during the season of Lent.

The prayer’s origins can be traced back to the Benedictine Monastery of Cluny in France. It is believed to have been composed by a monk named Herman the Cripple. The prayer became widely popular due to its simple melody, which made it easy to sing and memorize.

The Ave, Regina Caelorum prayer is traditionally recited during the season of Lent, which marks the period of penance and preparation for Easter. It is also used as a substitute for the Angelus prayer during the Easter season. The prayer is a tribute to the Virgin Mary’s Merciful Heart, asking for her intercession and protection.

The prayer has undergone some revisions over the years. In 1953, Pope Pius XII added a fifth Antiphon, “Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia,” which is traditionally recited during the Easter season. The prayer’s enduring popularity amongst Catholics around the world bears testimony to the timeless beauty of its melody and its enduring message of hope and faith in the intercession of the Virgin Mary.