Regina Caeli, Laetare

Replaces the Angelus during Eastertide (Easter Sunday to Pentecost).

The Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven, Rejoice) replaces the Angelus during the Easter season from Easter Sunday until Pentecost. It is a joyful Marian antiphon celebrating the Resurrection of Christ and calling on Mary’s intercession.

The Prayer

Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.
Has risen, as He said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.
R. For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray.
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.

About This Prayer

The Regina Caeli dates from the 12th century and is one of the four Marian antiphons of the Roman Rite. It replaces the Angelus from Easter Sunday to the Saturday after Pentecost. Pope St Pius V made it the antiphon for Compline (Night Prayer) during Eastertide.