Dear Parishioners,

A couple weeks ago, we transitioned to a new Marian Antiphon after Mass titled Ave Reinga Caelorum. This Antiphon will be sung from after February 2nd until Wednesday of Holy Week. No one knows who wrote this antiphon but it is found in manuscripts dating back to the 12th century.

The words of this antiphon are as follows:

Ave, Regina caelorum,
Ave, Domina Angelorum:
Salve, radix, salve, porta
Ex qua mundo lux est orta:
Gaude, Virgo gloriosa,
Super omnes speciosa,
Vale, o valde decora,
Et pro nobis Christum exora.

Which translates to:

Hail, O Queen of Heaven.
Hail, O Lady of Angels.
Hail! thou root, hail! thou gate
From whom unto the world a light has arisen:
Rejoice, O glorious Virgin,
Lovely beyond all others
Farewell, most beautiful maiden,
And pray for us to Christ.

This Marian antiphon is particularly short, simple and lovely. I hope you all enjoy learning to sing it after Mass now through the Lenten season. The music can be found on page 443 of the St. Michael Hymnal.

God Bless!

Fr. Carter