The May issue of The Shepherd’s Staff, our provincial newsletter, is full of photos and inspiration from the Synod of the Diocese of the Western States held in Walnut Creek, CA.
Information is also available for St. Joseph’s Anglican Theological College. Registration is now open for the Summer and Michaelmas terms. Clergy and laity are encouraged to enroll or audit. All courses are held online.
The Regina Coeli is the ancient hymn of Easter joy dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, sung from Easter Sunday through Pentecost. Taking the place of the Angelic Salutation during this season, the prayer calls on the faithful to rejoice with Mary over Christ’s Resurrection.
With its brief jubilant lines, the Regina Coeli captures the spirit of Easter: victory over death and the hope of eternal life. The antiphon simply and beautifully proclaims the fulfillment of Christ’s promise and invites Mary to pray for the Church as her risen Son reigns in glory.
Regina Coeli Joy to thee, O Queen of Heaven, Alleluia. He whom thou was meet to bare, Alleluia. As He promised, hath arisen, Alleluia. Pour for us to Him thy prayer, Alleluia.
Latin: Regina caeli, laetare, Alleluia; Quia quem meruisti portare, Alleluia, Resurrexit, sicut dixit, Alleluia: Ora pro nobis Deum, Alleluia.
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.
Let those who are devout and who truly love God, take part with joy in this beautiful and glorious feast. Let those who are faithful servants enter rejoicing into the joy of their Lord. Let those who have labored with fasting now receive their reward. Let those who have worked from the first hour receive today what they are owed. Let those who came after the third hour keep the feast with thankfulness. Let those who arrived at the sixth hour be also confident; they too will not be deprived. Let those who have delayed until the ninth hour advance, with no fear. Let those who have delayed until the eleventh hour be not afraid for their tardiness; for the Lord is gracious, and will accept the last even as the first.
He gives rest to those who came at the eleventh hour, as well as to those who worked from the first hour. He is merciful to those who come late, and he cares for those who came at the beginning. He gives to the one; and he gives to the other also. He rewards the work which is done, and he recognizes the incomplete attempt. He honors the act and He praises the intention.
And so let all enter into the joy of our Lord. Let the first and the second receive their reward. Let rich and poor rejoice together. Rejoice today, those who have fasted and those who have not. The table is full-laden; let all feast richly. The calf is fatted; let no one leave hungry. Let all enjoy the feast of faith; let all receive the riches of mercy. Let none complain of poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed.
Let none grieve for their sins; for forgiveness has dawned from the tomb. Let none fear death; for the death of the Savior has freed us. He has destroyed death by enduring it. By descending into hell, He has plundered it. He embittered it when it tasted of His flesh.
Isaiah prophesied this and said: Hades has been embittered by meeting Him below. It was embittered, for it was abolished. It was embittered, for it was mocked. It was embittered, for it was slain. It was embittered, for it was annihilated. It was embittered, for it was then enchained. It took a body and discovered God. It took earth and encountered heaven. It took what it saw and was conquered by what it saw not.
O death, where is thy sting? O hell, where is thy victory? Christ is risen, and you are made nothing. Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and life reigns. Christ is risen, and none are left dead in the tomb. For Christ, being risen from the dead, has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages.
On the Feast of the Purification, Casey Zinn Crain was baptized by his Grandfather, the Rev. Benjamin Lawrence, Curate of Saint Luke’s Anglican Church in Redding, CA
The March issue of The Shepherd’s Staff, our provincial newsletter, is full of news, photos, and inspiration from parishes around the province:
Registration information for the Diocesan Synod (Walnut Creek, CA)
See’s Candy fundraiser returns
Baptism celebrated at St. Luke’s (Redding, CA)
“Love is the Last Word,” a sermon from the Archbishop Morse archives
