REGINA CAELI

From Easter till Pentecost, that is, during Paschaltide, we say or sing the Regina Caeli instead of the Angelus, and instead of the other Marian anthems, such as the Salve Regina.

This is the Church's Easter hymn to Mary.

This hymn goes back so far in time that we don't know exactly how it came about.  The Vatican's oldest musical score for it is dated around the year 1171.

If we really understood the intimate link between Mother and Son, we would not doubt for a moment that she who "merited to bear" Him in her womb; she who brought Him into this world, cared for Him, nursed Him, protected Him, taught Him, worried over Him, wept for Him, suffered for Him - would not also be a joyful witness of His resurrection!

In the Regina Caeli, there is no talk of "this valley of tears."  Not now.  We are too joyful to think of that for now.  Still, we haven't lost all sense, and we ask her "to pray for us," for even in joy we are mindful we are not in heaven yet.

He is risen - but as He said He would.  Our Lord's suffering, death and resurrection were all His doing.  He chose to undergo all that; allowed others to take His life.  He laid it down, but He, too, picked it up again.  The Resurrection was not a surprise to Jesus!  It was all part of the plan!  Our God is the God of Life.

The tomb could not hold Him for more than three days.  She bore Him in her womb for nine months.  More than that, she kept Him in her mind and heart day and night all her earthly life.

Now, she is Queen of Heaven, Regina Caeli.  She beholds Him for all eternity in all His glory, which she, too, shares.  From her throne in heaven, she is our greatest intercessor.  Ora pro nobis Deum!  Alleluia!

Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia:
For He whom you merited to bear, alleluia,
Has risen, as He said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.