Office Hymns: The Marian Antiphons

The Marian Antiphons

Advent to the Purification of the Blessed Virgin

139

Loving Mother of our Saviour - Alma Redemptoris Mater

Mother of Christ! Hear thou thy people's cry,

Star of the deep, and portal of the sky!

Mother of Him Who thee from nothing made,

Sinking we strive and call to thee for aid;

Oh, by that joy which Gabriel brought to thee,

Thou Virgin first and last, let us thy mercy see.

Purification to Good Friday

140

Hail, O Queen of Heaven enthroned - Ave, Regina Caelorum

Hail, O Queen of Heaven enthroned.

Hail, by angels mistress owned.

Root of Jesse, Gate of Morn

Whence the world's true light was born:

Glorious Virgin, Joy to thee,

Loveliest whom in heaven they see;

Fairest thou, where all are fair,

Plead with Christ our souls to spare.

Easter to the Eve of Trinity

141

Queen of Heaven - Regina cæli

Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.

The Son whom you merited to bear, alleluia.

Has risen, as He said, alleluia.

Pray for us to God, alleluia.

Trinity to Advent

142

  Salve, Regina

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,

Hail, 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.