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.