During the Easter season, the Church replaces the Angelus with a joyful Marian prayer known as the Regina Caeli. This ancient “Queen of Heaven prayer” celebrates the Resurrection of Christ and invites us to share in the joy of the Virgin Mary. Prayed from Easter Sunday through Pentecost, it is one of the most beautiful Easter Catholic prayers you can incorporate into your daily devotion.
What Is the Regina Caeli?
The Regina Caeli is one of the four official Marian antiphons of the Catholic Church, traditionally sung or recited as part of the Liturgy of the Hours. Its origins date back at least to the 12th century.
According to a long-standing tradition, Pope St. Gregory the Great heard angels singing the first lines of this prayer during Easter time and added the final verse himself. In 1742, Pope Benedict XIV formally established the Regina Caeli as the prayer that replaces the Angelus throughout the Easter season.
When Should You Pray the Regina Caeli?
- Every day from Easter Sunday through Pentecost Sunday
- At the three traditional hours: morning, noon, and night — replacing the Angelus
- During May, as a Marian prayer that bridges Easter joy and the Month of Mary
- Whenever you want to unite yourself to Mary’s joy in the Resurrection
- At the end of the Rosary during the Easter season
- In family prayer, alone, or as part of the Rosary
Regina Caeli Prayer (Latin and English)
This antiphon is prayed standing, as a sign of the Resurrection.
Latin
V. Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia.
R. Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia.
V. Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia.
R. Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.
V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia.
R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia.
Oremus.
Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Iesu Christi, mundum laetificare dignatus es: praesta, quaesumus; ut per eius Genetricem Virginem Mariam, perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
English
V. Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
R. For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.
V. Has risen, as He said, alleluia.
R. 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.
Meaning of the Regina Caeli prayer
The Regina Caeli is a prayer of pure Easter joy. It proclaims that Christ has risen and invites the Virgin Mary to rejoice as the Mother of the Risen Lord.
In this prayer, Catholics unite their hearts with Mary, who experienced the sorrow of the Cross and now shares fully in the glory of the Resurrection. It reminds us that suffering is not the end — joy in Christ always has the final word.
How to Pray the Regina Caeli
The Regina Caeli is traditionally prayed standing, as a sign of the Resurrection. It can be recited or sung, individually or in community. During the Easter season, it replaces the Angelus at the customary hours of prayer.
Many Catholics also include it at the end of the Rosary during this joyful season.
Related Prayers
- Hail Mary — the most beloved Marian prayer, perfect for daily devotion
- How to Pray the Rosary— a complete guide to one of the Church’s most powerful prayers
- Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary — a deeper Marian devotion for special intentions
- Sub Tuum Praesidium Prayer — one of the oldest prayers to the Virgin Mary
- Powerful prayer to the Virgin Mary – for help and protection
Save this Regina Caeli prayer for the Easter season — or share it with someone who loves the Blessed Virgin Mary.
