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Easter Marian Prayer

Regina Caeli

A joyful Marian prayer traditionally prayed during the Easter season in place of the Angelus.

The Regina Caeli, meaning “Queen of Heaven,” is the Church's Easter song to Mary. It rejoices that the Son she bore has risen, and it is traditionally prayed from Easter through Pentecost instead of the Angelus.

Pray the Regina CaeliOutside Easter: The Angelus

What it is

What Is the Regina Caeli?

Regina Caeli means “Queen of Heaven.”

It is a Marian antiphon of the Easter season.

It rejoices in the Resurrection of Jesus and the joy given to the world through Him.

It is traditionally prayed in place of the Angelus during Eastertide.

Seasonal rhythm

When Is the Regina Caeli Prayed?

  • It is traditionally prayed during the Easter season.
  • It replaces the Angelus from Easter Sunday through Pentecost.
  • It can be prayed morning, noon, and evening, following the same rhythm as the Angelus.
  • Beginners and families can also pray it once a day with devotion.

Pray it simply

How to Pray the Regina Caeli

  1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
  2. Pray the versicles and responses.
  3. Pray the concluding prayer.
  4. End with the Sign of the Cross.

Prayer text

Regina Caeli Prayer Text

Copy only the prayer text if you want to keep it handy through Easter and Pentecost.

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.

Why it matters

Why the Regina Caeli Matters

It teaches Easter joy instead of leaving Easter as a single feast day.

It honors Mary in the light of the Resurrection of her Son.

It helps daily prayer stay centered on the living Christ.

It keeps the Easter season lived and remembered in ordinary hours.

A practical beginning

Simple Regina Caeli Practice

  • Pray it at noon during Easter if you want one simple seasonal habit.
  • Add it after morning prayer or before dinner as a family.
  • Use it in place of the Angelus until Pentecost.
  • Pray it with joy, even if Easter feels quieter than Christmas.

Outside the Easter season

Return to the Angelus

Outside the Easter season, Catholics traditionally return to the Angelus, which honors the Annunciation and Incarnation of Christ.

The Angelus

Related links

Continue in Easter Prayer

The AngelusPrayer LibraryHoly RosaryEaster SeasonLiturgical Living