The Regina Caeli
Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia. For he whom thou didst 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.
Traditional English version.
Pray the Regina Caeli every day with a reminder.
Start praying with Rosary & MercyKey takeaways
- It replaces the Angelus from Easter Sunday through Pentecost.
- It is an Easter antiphon that rejoices with Mary at the Resurrection.
- The Pope prays it with the crowd in St. Peter's Square on Sundays in Eastertide.
What is the Regina Caeli?
The Regina Caeli is a joyful prayer that invites Mary to rejoice at her Son's resurrection. It is one of the four Marian antiphons and dates to at least the 12th century. Pope Benedict XIV in 1742 directed that it replace the Angelus in Eastertide.
When to pray it
Catholics pray it from Easter Sunday until Pentecost, at the usual Angelus times of morning, noon and evening. Outside Easter season, the Angelus returns.
Questions people ask
What does Regina Caeli mean?
"Queen of Heaven" in Latin.
When do I switch back to the Angelus?
After Pentecost Sunday, the Angelus resumes.
Why so many alleluias?
Alleluia means "praise the Lord." The Church uses it freely in the Easter season and avoids it in Lent.
Related prayers
Pray through what you are reading, every day, with a gentle reminder.
Start praying with Rosary & MercySources: Matthew 28:1-10 · Catechism of the Catholic Church 966, 638-655 · USCCB