Hail, Holy Queen
A Marian antiphon from the 11th century, attributed to Hermann of Reichenau. It closes the rosary and Compline in Ordinary Time.
Also known as: Salve Regina
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.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.
When to pray
At the end of the rosary and at night.
Latin text
vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve.
Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Hevae.
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes
in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia ergo, advocata nostra,
illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte.
Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.
O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.
V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genetrix.
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.
Amen.
Origin
The Salve Regina, or 'Hail, Holy Queen,' is one of the four great Marian antiphons, traditionally recited after Compline from Trinity Sunday until Advent. Its authorship is debated, with attributions to Hermann of Reichenau (11th century) or Adhemar of Le Puy. The prayer gained widespread popularity through the Cistercian and Dominican orders, who adopted it into their daily prayers and processions, solidifying its place in both liturgical and popular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In other languages
Salve Rainha (Português) · Salve (Dios te salve, Reina y Madre) (Español) · Salve Regina (Italiano) · Witaj Królowo (Polski) · Aba Po Santa Mariang Reyna (Tagalog)