Devotion
The Regina Caeli in Eastertide
Marian devotion · 2 min
Through the fifty days of Easter the Church sets aside the Angelus and greets Our Lady with the Regina Caeli, asking the Mother who stood by the Cross to rejoice because her Son is risen as he said.
Background
A private devotion that follows the rhythm of the liturgical year: from Easter Sunday until Pentecost the Regina Caeli takes the place of the Angelus at morning, noon and evening. The antiphon itself belongs to the Church's public prayer, where it serves as the Marian antiphon of Compline during Eastertide; the devotional use of it through the day grew from that liturgical use.
How to practice
From Easter Sunday through Pentecost, pray the Regina Caeli in place of the Angelus at the same three hours. Say or sing the four acclamations — Queen of heaven, rejoice; for he whom you were worthy to bear has risen as he said; pray for us to God; rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, for the Lord has truly risen — each answered with alleluia, and close with the prayer asking God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of his Son, that through Mary his Mother we may lay hold of the joys of eternal life. It is customary to stand rather than kneel, as the whole of Eastertide is prayed standing.
Duration
About 2 minutes
Content subtype
marian