Marian Antiphons

The Marian antiphons are beautiful and ancient hymns to Our Lady which are sung at end of Compline or Night Prayers. These antiphons are seasonal because they change according to the liturgical time of the year.
 

• Alma Redemptoris Mater (from Advent to Candlemas)

Loving mother of the Redeemer,
Gate of Heaven,
Star of the Sea,
assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again,
To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator,
yet remained a virgin after as before,
you who received Gabriel's joyful greeting,
have pity on us poor sinners. Amen.
 

• Ave, Regina Cælorum (after Candlemas to the end of Lent)

O Queen of Heav'n enthron'd,
Hail, by angels Mistress own'd
Root of Jesse, Gate of morn,
whence the world's true light was born.
Glorious Virgin, joy to thee,
Loveliest whom in Heaven they see,
Fairest thou where all are fair!
Plead with Christ our sins to spare.
 

• Regina Cœli (from Easter to Pentecost)

Joy to thee, O Queen of Heaven, alleluia!
He whom thou wast meet to bear, alleluia!
As he promised hath arisen, alleluia!
Pour for us to God thy prayer, alleluia!
 

• Salve Regina (Ordinary Time after Pentecost, and after the Rosary)

Hail, Holy Queen,
Mother of Mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To thee 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 towards us;
and after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O Clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.