In Catholicism, the Regina Coeli ("Queen of Heaven") is one of the four seasonal antiphons of the Blessed Virgin Mary, specifically Eastertide, prescribed to be sung or recited in the Liturgy of the Hours after night prayer (compline or vespers), from Holy Saturday to the Saturday after Pentecost.
The author is unknown. Legend has it that St Gregory the Great heard angels chanting the first three lines one Easter morning in Rome, and was inspired to add the fourth. Another apparently unfounded theory ascribes authorship to Pope Gregory V.
Latin text
Regina coeli, laetare, alleluia:
Quia quem meruisti portare. alleluia,
Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia,
Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.
English text
Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia:
For He whom you merited to bear, alleluia,
Has risen, as He said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.
Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.
For Our Lord hath risen indeed, alleluia.
External link
Catholic Encyclopedia: Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven)
