Hail Holy Queen - Definition and Overview

The Hail, Holy Queen (Salve, Regina) is a Catholic prayer to Mary, mother of Jesus.

The origin of this prayer is unclear, but it was set down in its current form at the Abbey of Cluny in the 12th century, and has been widely used in Catholic liturgy since that time. It is commonly said after the completion of the rosary.

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy; hail our life, our sweetness and our hope.

To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.

To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Turn then, most gracious Advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us.

And after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Pray for us O Holy Mother of God,

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Amen