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Regina Caeli
The Regina Caeli is a joyful Marian prayer celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus and traditionally prayed during the Easter season.
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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.
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“Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia”
During the Easter season the Church turns to Mary with the joy of Christ's Resurrection.
“For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia”
The prayer recalls Mary's unique vocation as the Mother of Jesus Christ.
“Has risen, as He said, alleluia”
The reason for the prayer's joy is entirely Christ-centred: Jesus has risen from the dead.
“Pray for us to God, alleluia”
As in other Marian prayers, Catholics ask Mary for intercession while directing worship and ultimate hope to God.
In brief
Catholics pray the Regina Caeli during the Easter season to celebrate Christ's Resurrection and ask Mary, who bore the risen Lord, for her intercession.
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What is this prayer?
The Regina Caeli is a traditional Marian antiphon and Easter prayer. Its repeated alleluias proclaim the joy of the Resurrection and distinguish it clearly from the more contemplative character of the Angelus.
Quick facts
- Season
- Easter
- Focus
- The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
- Meaning of title
- Queen of Heaven
- Replaces
- The Angelus during Eastertide
- Repeated word
- Alleluia
Why Catholics pray it
Why it matters
Catholics pray it because Easter is the central celebration of Christ's victory over death. Mary is invited to rejoice in the Resurrection of her Son and is asked to pray for the faithful.
When to pray
When Catholics use it
The Regina Caeli is traditionally prayed during the Easter season in place of the Angelus. It may also be prayed independently as a Marian Easter devotion.
Meaning
What the words mean
The prayer begins with joy rather than petition: Christ has risen as He promised. Only then does it ask Mary to pray for us, before turning directly to God and asking for the joy of eternal life.
History
Where this prayer comes from
The Regina Caeli belongs to the medieval tradition of Marian antiphons. Its exact authorship is uncertain. It became especially associated with Eastertide and the custom of using it in place of the Angelus during the Easter season.
Scripture
Biblical connections
Matthew 28:5–6
The angel announces that Jesus is not in the tomb because He has risen as He said.
Luke 24:5–8
The women at the tomb are reminded that Christ had foretold His Resurrection.
Catholic teaching
Catechism connections
CCC 638–658
The Catechism presents the Resurrection of Jesus as a real event and a central truth of the Christian faith.
CCC 2675–2679
The Catechism explains the Church's Marian prayer as centred on Christ and expressed through praise and intercession.
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Common questions
When do Catholics pray the Regina Caeli?
It is traditionally prayed during the Easter season, from Easter through Pentecost, in place of the Angelus.
What does Regina Caeli mean?
The Latin title means Queen of Heaven.
Why does the Regina Caeli repeat alleluia?
Alleluia is the Church's characteristic expression of Easter joy, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus.
Is the Regina Caeli about Mary or Jesus?
Mary is addressed in the prayer, but its central reason for rejoicing is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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