The Hail, Holy Queen, also known as the Salve Regina, is a traditional Catholic prayer dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is one of the most well-known and cherished Marian prayers, often used in various devotions and liturgical settings.

The Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina) Prayer

Latin: 
Salve Regina, Mater misericordiae, vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. 
Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae. 
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. 
Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. 
Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. 
O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.

The Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina) Prayer
English Translation: 
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, 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 valley 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.

Explanation

1. Salve Regina, Mater misericordiae: The opening words in Latin mean "Hail, Queen, Mother of mercy," addressing Mary with honor and acknowledging her role as a compassionate mother.
2. Vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve: "Our life, our sweetness, and our hope, hail," emphasizing Mary's significance in the life of believers.
3. Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae: "To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve," recognizing humanity's need for Mary's intercession and God's mercy.
4. Eia, ergo, advocata nostra: "Therefore, our advocate," appealing to Mary as the one who intercedes on behalf of believers.
5. Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui: "And Jesus, the blessed fruit of thy womb," acknowledging Jesus Christ as Mary's son and the Savior of humanity.
6. O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria: "O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary," praising Mary for her gentleness, piety, and maternal care.

Usage

• The Hail, Holy Queen prayer is often recited at the end of the Rosary and is part of the Liturgy of the Hours in the Roman Catholic Church, specifically as part of the evening prayer (Vespers).
• It is used in personal devotions, novenas, and liturgical celebrations dedicated to Mary, asking for her maternal intercession and invoking her help and protection.

Significance

• The prayer highlights Mary's role as a compassionate mother who cares for her children and intercedes for them before God.
• It expresses confidence in Mary's ability to help and comfort those who seek her aid, emphasizing her qualities of mercy, love, and maternal care.
• The Hail, Holy Queen encourages believers to turn to Mary in times of difficulty and to trust in her prayers for assistance on their spiritual journey towards God.