Regina Caeli Laetare, Alleluia!

Many of us will be familiar with the well-known prayer the Angelus. This beautiful prayer tells the story of the Annunciation of the Incarnation by the Angel Gabriel to Mary and her responding 'fiat'.

It is recited daily at 6am, midday and 6pm.  You may be fortunate enough to live near a church that rings the Angelus bell at these times as a reminder to stop for a few moments and pray.  It is a lovely way to sanctify our day.

During the fifty days of Easter (from Easter until Pentecost) the Angelus is replaced with the Regina Caeli, said at the same times during the day. This is an Easter prayer inviting us to rejoice with Mary at the Resurrection of her Son.

Here is a video in which you can hear the Regina Caeli in Latin together with the English translation.

Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia

Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia!

Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia. 

For the Lord is risen indeed, alleluia!

Regina Caeli - Reflections on Our Lady . . .

This beautiful book contains extracts from the speeches and writings of Pope Benedict XVI. The texts have been specially chosen by Fr Gerard Skinner, a priest of the Archdiocese of Westminster.

The book looks at the period from 2005 to 2010. The themes of the book consist of the many titles by which Our Blessed Lady is honoured; Mother of God, The Immaculate Conception. It reminds us of special events in her life, for example, the Annunciation and Assumption and contains the words of Marian prayers, the Hail Mary and Regina Caeli.

Pope Benedict encourages each of us to model and imitate Our Blessed Lady's positive response to the call of God.

As we approach the month of May, the month in which the Church gives special honour to Our Lady, this is an ideal gift for your priest or family.

Regina Caeli - Reflections on Our Lady is available from Family Publications at £11.95