The Regina Coeli, also known as the Queen of Heaven prayer, is a traditional Marian hymn and prayer in the Catholic Church. It replaces the Angelus during the Easter season, from Easter Sunday until Pentecost.

Regina Coeli Prayer

Latin: 
Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia: 
Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia,
Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia.
Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

Regina Coeli Prayer

English Translation: 
Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia:
For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia,
Has risen, as He said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.

Explanation

1. Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia: "Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia," inviting Mary to rejoice in the resurrection of her Son, Jesus Christ.
2. Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia: "For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia," acknowledging Mary's special role as the mother of Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead.
3. Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia: "Has risen, as He said, alleluia," proclaiming the central mystery of the Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
4. Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia: "Pray for us to God, alleluia," asking Mary to intercede for us before God the Father.

Usage

• The Regina Coeli is traditionally prayed during the Easter season as a joyful hymn celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• It is often recited or sung after the Angelus or as part of the Liturgy of the Hours during the Easter season.

Significance

• The Regina Coeli emphasizes Mary's role in the Easter mystery and invites believers to join her in rejoicing over the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• It underscores Mary's ongoing intercessory role as Queen of Heaven and encourages believers to seek her prayers and protection.
• The prayer is a joyful expression of faith in Christ's victory over sin and death, celebrated with Mary, the Mother of God, who shares in the glory of her Son's resurrection.