Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina)
A medieval Marian anthem that closes the Rosary and the Church's Night Prayer.
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.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
About this prayer
The Salve Regina dates to the eleventh century and became beloved among Cistercian and Dominican friars, who sang it at the close of each day.