Hail, holy Queen,
Mother of mercy,
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 valley 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 clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary!
Amen.
History of Hail Holy Queen
The “Hail Holy Queen” is one of the oldest and most beloved devotions in the Catholic Church. The prayer is a tribute to the Virgin Mary, and expresses praise and supplication for her intercession and guidance.
The origins of the “Hail Holy Queen” can be traced back to the 12th century, when it was composed by a monk named Hermannus Contractus. The prayer was originally written in Latin, and over time has been translated into many different languages.
The prayer has become a staple of Catholic worship and devotion over the centuries, and is often recited during the Rosary, as well as in other liturgical services. It emphasizes the important role that Mary plays in the life of the faithful, as Mother of God and Queen of Heaven.
In addition to its liturgical use, the “Hail Holy Queen” has also been adapted into music, with many famous composers setting the text to music over the years. This has helped to popularize the prayer even further, and has made it a beloved part of Catholic culture and tradition.
Today, the “Hail Holy Queen” continues to be an important prayer for Catholics around the world. It represents a powerful expression of faith and devotion, and encourages believers to seek the intercession and guidance of Mary in their daily lives.