Ave Regina caelorum

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The Ave Regina caelorum is sung as the concluding antiphon in each of the Hours of the Daily Office during the pre-Lent and Lenten seasons, i.e. from the Feast of the Presentation (2nd February) until Maundy Thursday.

It appears to be of monastic origin but the author is unknown (dating from around the 12th century). Herman Contractus (+1054) is often suggested as the author, for he wrote several popular Marian antiphons around then. This antiphon is one of the traditional concluding antiphons for Compline in use since the 13th century. It is traditionally recited from the Feast of the Purification (Feb. 2) until Wednesday in Holy Week. The traditional collect, which is not a part of the antiphon proper, is also given below. As noted by St. Jerome, the versicle and response originally appeared in the writings of St. Ephrem the Syrian (306-373).

Oremus
Concede, misericors Deus, fragilitati nostrae praesidium; ut, qui sanctae Dei Genetricis memoriam agimus; intercessionis eius auxilio, a nostris iniquitatibus resurgamus. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Let us pray
Grant, O merciful God, to our weak natures Thy protection, that we who commemorate the holy Mother of God may, by the help of her intercession, arise from our iniquities. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

From the Roman Breviary.


Musical settings at CPDL

Other settings possibly not included in the manual list above

Text and translations

The text of this antiphon appears to have remained fairly unchanged since the 12th century, small variants being noted below. Dufay's setting is unique in ending with an Alleluia, which probably stems from the earlier use of the antiphon at the Annunciation.

Latin.png Latin text

Ave Regina coelorum,
Ave Domina Angelorum:
Salve radix, salve porta, [or Salve, radix sancta,]
Ex qua mundo lux est orta:

Gaude Virgo gloriosa,
Super omnes speciosa,
Vale, o valde decora,
Et pro nobis Christum [semper] exora.

Dignare me laudare te Virgo sacrata
Da mihi virtutem contra hostes tuos.

Alternative Latin text
Ave regina caelorum,
ave domina angelorum,
vale stirps sancta,
per quam mundi lux est orta.

Vale gloriosa
super omnes speciosa,
salve vale decora
et pro nobis semper Christum exora.
 

English.png English translation

Hail, 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.

V. Allow me to praise thee, holy Virgin.
R. Give me strength against thy enemies.

Translation by Edward Caswall

from http://www.preces-latinae.org/thesaurus/BVM/AveRegina.html
 

Spanish.png Spanish translation

Salve, reina de los cielos,
Salve, señora de los ángeles,
Salve, raíz santa,
de quien nació la luz al mundo.

Alégrate, Virgen gloriosa,
entre todas la más bella.
Salve a tí, la más hermosa.
Ruega siempre a Cristo por nosotros.
 

Vietnamese.png Vietnamese translation

Compline:
Kính lạy Bà, Vị Nữ Hoàng Thiên Quốc,
Lạy Nữ Vương trên chín phẩm thiên thần,
Là Cội Thiêng là Cửa Trời vinh phúc,
Đem Vầng Hồng rực rỡ xuống trần gian.

Mừng vui lên, mừng vui lên Trinh Nữ,
Bà hiển vinh, Bà diễm lệ khôn tày.
Bên toà Chúa Kitô, Ngôi Thánh Tử,
Cúi lạy Bà, xin nguyện giúp cầu thay.