Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
Hail, 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 vale 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!
The Salve Regina is one of the four major Marian antiphons. At Lourdes, it often closes solemn celebrations and torchlight processions.
All about the Salve Regina
When to pray the Salve Regina?
Traditionally in the evening, at the end of the rosary or compline, and particularly in moments of distress or mourning.
What is the meaning of this antiphon?
It is a cry of hope from “this valley of tears” (earth, trial). We recognize Mary as our Advocate and our Queen of Mercy.
Who is this prayer for?
For “banished children of Eve”, that is, all those who feel the weight of existence and seek the light of Heaven.