The “Hail Holy Queen” (Salve Regina) is a traditional Catholic prayer, often recited at the end of the Rosary, honoring the Virgin Mary as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. It reflects the deep reverence and devotion to Mary within the Catholic tradition, recognizing her as a powerful intercessor and a compassionate mother. In Luke 1:28, the angel Gabriel greets Mary with the words, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” This Biblical passage underpins the veneration of Mary, acknowledging her unique role in God’s plan of salvation and her continued spiritual motherhood to all believers.
The prayer is a plea for Mary’s intercession, seeking her guidance and assistance in our earthly journey towards heaven. It reflects themes found in Scripture, such as God’s mercy and redemption. The prayer’s ending evokes the promised joy of eternal life, resonating with Revelation 21:4, where God will wipe away every tear, and “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
As believers recite the Hail Holy Queen, it is an opportunity to reflect on Mary’s example of faith and obedience to God’s will, and to seek her prayers to aid us in following her example. It is a reminder of the Christian hope in eternal life and the comfort found in the maternal care and intercession of Mary.
Scripture Support:
- “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28, NIV)
- “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42, NIV)
- “And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Revelation 12:1, ESV)
Prayer: Hail Holy Queen
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.
Declarations and Affirmations:
- I seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy.
- In my trials, I find comfort in the maternal care of Mary.
- Through Mary’s example and prayers, I am guided in my Christian journey.
Activity: Marian Devotion and Reflection
Marian Devotion: Consider incorporating the Hail Holy Queen into your daily prayers, especially after reciting the Rosary.
Reflective Reading: Spend time reading and reflecting on the Scriptural accounts of Mary’s life and her role in the mystery of Christ.