The Regina Coeli Latin prayer is a short and joyful Catholic prayer for the Easter season. Its name means “Queen of Heaven.” It invites the Virgin Mary to rejoice because Jesus Christ, the Son she carried, has risen from the dead.
Catholics traditionally pray the Regina Caeli instead of the Angelus from Easter Sunday through Pentecost. It may be spoken or sung, alone or with others, and is also connected with Night Prayer during Eastertide.
This guide gives the complete Latin text, an English translation, pronunciation help, a line-by-line meaning, its history, and an explanation of when it is prayed.
The main message is simple: Christ has truly risen, so Mary and the whole Church have a reason to rejoice.
For a beginner, the prayer may look unfamiliar because of the Latin words, but its structure is easy to follow. Each line gives one thought: Mary is called to rejoice, Christ’s Resurrection is announced, her prayers are requested, and believers ask God for eternal joy. Once these ideas are understood, prayer becomes simple and memorable.
Regina Coeli Latin Prayer
The traditional prayer is written in a call-and-response form. The letter V. means versicle, the line spoken by the leader. The letter R. means response; the line answered by the group. When praying alone, one person says every line. Regina Coeli Latin lines:
V. Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia.
R. Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia.
V. Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia.
R. Ora pro nobis Deum, Alleluia.
V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia.
R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia.
Regina Coeli English Translation
The following English wording follows the familiar version published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Small differences may appear in other Catholic prayer books, but the meaning remains the same. Regina Coeli Latin lines:
V. Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
R. The Son whom you merited to bear, alleluia,
V. Has risen as he said, Alleluia.
R. Pray for us to God, alleluia.
V. O. Virgin Mary, celebrate with joy, alleluia.
R. The Lord has indeed risen from the dead, alleluia.
Let us pray.
O God, who has been pleased to gladden the world by the Resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that through his mother, the Virgin Mary, we may receive the joys of everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Some translations use older phrases such as “whom you did merit to bear” or “did vouchsafe to give joy to the world.” These versions are not different from prayers. They simply use an older style of English. The Vatican’s Compendium also presents both UK and US English versions of the prayer.
What Does Regina Coeli Mean?
Regina Coeli means “Queen of Heaven.”
The Latin word regina means “queen.” The word caeli means “of heaven.” The title is addressed to Mary because she is the mother of Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. The prayer asks her to rejoice in the Resurrection of her Son and to pray for faithfulness.
Although the prayer is addressed to Mary, Jesus remains at its center. The most important announcement is: “He has risen, as he said.” The final prayer is also offered to God through Christ and asks for the joy of everlasting life.
The Regina Caeli brings together three important Christian mysteries:
- The Incarnation: Mary carried the Son of God.
- The Resurrection: Jesus rose from the dead as he promised.
- Eternal life: Christians hope to share the lasting joy won by Christ.
For this reason, the prayer is both Marian and deeply centered on Christ. It honors Mary by celebrating what God did through her Son. The Vatican describes the antiphon as joining the mystery of the Incarnation with the Paschal event of Christ’s Resurrection.
Regina Caeli Meaning Line by Line
“Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia”
Meaning: “Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.”
The prayer begins with joy. Mary is invited to rejoice because the suffering of Good Friday did not have the final word. Jesus has risen. The sorrow of the Cross has been answered by the victory of Easter.
The word laetare means “rejoice” or “be joyful.” The word alleluia means “praise the Lord.” It appears after each line, giving the whole prayer a bright Easter rhythm.
“Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia”
Meaning: “For he whom you merited to bear, alleluia.”
This line reminds us that Mary carried Jesus in her womb. The word portae means “to carry” or “to bear.” The line connects Christmas and Easter: The Child Mary carried is the Lord who died and rose again.
The phrase “merited to bear” can sound difficult in modern English. It is a traditional way of honoring Mary’s unique calling and her faithful response to God. It does not mean that Mary earned Jesus as a reward through ordinary human effort. Her role is understood as a gift of God’s grace.
“Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia”
Meaning: “He has risen, as he said, alleluia.”
This is the heart of Regina Caeli. He rose from the dead, just as he had told his disciples.
The phrase sicut dixit means “as he said.” It reminds Christians that God is faithful. Even when the disciples were frightened and confused, the promise of Christ remained true. Easter shows that God’s word can be trusted.
“Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia”
Meaning: “Pray for us to God, alleluia.”
The faithful ask Mary for her intercession. Catholics do not treat Mary as God. They ask her to pray for them, just as Christians may ask family members, friends, or fellow believers to pray for them.
After proclaiming the Resurrection, the person praying admits the need for grace and help.
“Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia”
Meaning: “Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.”
The words gaude and laetare both express joys. Used together, they make the invitation stronger: rejoice fully and be glad.
Mary’s joy follows real sorrow. She remained close to Christ in his suffering and is now invited to rejoice in his victory. Christian joy does not deny pain; it trusts that God can bring life beyond it.
“Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia”
Meaning: “For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.”
The word vere means “truly” or “indeed.” The line clearly states the reason for Easter joy: the Lord has truly risen.
Its hope rests on the Resurrection of Jesus, not merely on spring, fresh starts, or positive feelings. That is why prayer is full of confident joy.
Meaning of the Final Prayer
The concluding prayer asks God to lead believers from the joy of Christ’s Resurrection to everlasting life.
The phrase “gladden the world” shows that the Resurrection brings hope beyond one person or place. Through Mary’s intercession, believers ask to share eternal life through Christ.
Easy Regina Coeli Latin Pronunciation
The guide below uses common ecclesiastical Latin pronunciation, the Italian-style pronunciation often heard in Catholic churches. Accents show the syllable that receives the strongest stress. Regional and musical pronunciation may vary slightly.
Short Antiphon and Response
Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia
reh-JEE-nah CHEH-lee, leh-TAH-reh, ahl-leh-LOO-yah
Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia
KWEE-ah kwem meh-roo-EES-tee por-TAH-reh, ahl-leh-LOO-yah
Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia
reh-soor-REHK-seet, SEE-koot DEEK-seet, ahl-leh-LOO-yah
Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia
OH-rah proh NOH-bees DEH-oom, ahl-leh-LOO-yah
Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia
GOW-deh eht leh-TAH-reh, VEER-goh mah-REE-ah, ahl-leh-LOO-yah
Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia
KWEE-ah soor-REHK-seet DOH-mee-noos VEH-reh, ahl-leh-LOO-yah
Pronunciation of the Concluding Prayer
Oremus
oh-REH-moos
Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui
DEH-oos, kwee pehr reh-soor-rehk-tsee-OH-nehm FEE-lee-ee TOO-ee
Domini nostri Iesu Christi
DOH-mee-nee NOH-stree YEH-zoo KREE-stee
mundum laetificare dignatus es
MOON-doom leh-tee-fee-KAH-reh deen-YAH-toos ehs
praesta, quaesumus
PRES-tah, KWEH-soo-moos
ut per eius Genetricem Virginem Mariam
oot pehr EH-yoos jeh-NEH-tree-chem VEER-jee-nehm mah-REE-ahm
perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae
pehr-PEH-too-eh kah-pee-AH-moos GOW-dee-ah VEE-teh
Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
pehr eh-OON-dehm KREE-stoom DOH-mee-noom NOH-stroom. AH-men.
Helpful Pronunciation Rules
- C before e, i, ae, or oe usually sounds like ch.
- G before e or i usually sounds like the j in “joy.”
- Qu sounds like kw.
- Ae and oe are usually pronounced like eh in ecclesiastical Latin.
- I at the beginning of a word before another vowel may sound like y, as in Iesu pronounced YEH-zoo.
- In words such as Maria and quia, the vowels are heard separately rather than changed into a simple English “y” sound.
- Alleluia ends with a soft yah sound.
Do not worry about perfect pronunciation. Pray slowly, use a trusted recording, and learn one line at a time. Sincere prayer matters more than sounding like a trained choir.
Is It Regina Caeli or Regina Coeli?
Both names refer to the same prayer.
Regina Caeli is the standard spelling used in modern Latin and in many current Catholic texts. The word comes from caelum, meaning “heaven,” with caeli meaning “of heaven.”
Regina Coeli is an established spelling found in older, medieval, and later Latin usage. It remains common in traditional prayer books, musical titles, parish websites, and English-language searches. The forms Regina Cæli and Regina Cœli use joined letters called ligatures. Latin references identify coelum as a medieval and later form of caelum.
For clarity, this article uses Regina Caeli in the main text while keeping Regina Coeli Latin in the title because many readers search for the prayer using that spelling.
No matter which form appears, the meaning is the same: Queen of Heaven.
When is Regina Caeli Prayed?
The Regina Caeli is traditionally prayed during Eastertide, from Easter Sunday through Pentecost. During this season, it replaces Angelus. The Vatican’s Directory on Popular Piety records that Pope Benedict XIV formally directed this replacement on April 2, 1742.
Like the Angelus, the Regina Caeli is commonly prayed three times a day:
- At dawn or in the morning
- At noon
- At dusk or in the evening
Vatican News explains that these prayer times help consecrate the main parts of the day to God. It also notes the custom of praying the Regina Caeli while standing as a sign of Christ’s victory over death.
The prayer may also be used as the seasonal Marian antiphon connected with Compline, the Church’s Night Prayer, during Eastertide. EWTN describes it as one of the four Marian antiphons traditionally said or sung after Night Prayer.
The prayer may also be used privately at home, at work, while traveling, with family, or during a parish gathering.
Why Does Regina Caeli Replace the Angelus?
The Angelus and the Regina Caeli focus on different moments in the life of Christ.
Angelus remembers Annunciation and Incarnation. It recalls the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary, her faithful response, and the Word becoming flesh.
Regina Caeli celebrates the Resurrection. It speaks to Mary about the son she carried and proclaims that he has risen as he said.
The change fits the movement of the Church year. During most of the year, the Angelus helps believers remember that the Son of God became human. During Easter, Regina Caeli helps them rejoice that the same Jesus conquered death.
The Vatican describes the prayer as joining the mystery of the Incarnation “he whom you merited to bear” with the Paschal event “he has risen as he said.”
Together, the two prayers recall the story of salvation: Christ came into the world, died, rose, and opened the way to eternal life.
How to Pray the Regina Caeli
The Regina Caeli is easy to pray, even if you are new to Latin prayer.
1. Pause for a moment
Step away from distractions. Become quiet and remember that you are turning your attention to God.
2. Make the Sign of the Cross
Many Catholics begin personal prayer this way. In an established group setting, follow the form used by the leader.
3. Pray the four-line antiphon
Say the opening lines slowly. If you are praying with others, one person may lead and the group may answer. If you are alone, say both parts.
4. Say the versicle and response
Pray, “Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary,” followed by, “For the Lord has truly risen.”
5. Pray the concluding collect
Ask God to lead you to everlasting joy through the Resurrection of Christ and the intercession of Mary.
6. End with “Amen”
Remain silent for a few seconds before returning to your day.
You may pray in Latin, English, or another language. Latin connects believers with a long Catholic tradition, but it is not required. Beginners may start in English and add Latin gradually.
History of the Regina Caeli
The exact author of Regina Caeli is unknown.
The Vatican’s Directory on Popular Piety says the antiphon probably dates from the 10th or 11th century. The same document explains that it beautifully joins the Incarnation with the Resurrection.
Later medieval evidence shows that the prayer became part of the Church’s devotional and liturgical life. It was used in connection with Easter and eventually became one of the four traditional Marian antiphons. The other three are Alma Redemptories Mater, Ave Regina Caelorum, and Salve Regina. Vatican News identifies all four and describes Regina Caeli’s special Easter use.
In 1742, Pope Benedict XIV directed that the Regina Caeli replace the Angelus during Eastertide. This established the familiar seasonal practice that continues in Catholic devotion today.
The Story of Pope St. Gregory the Great
A well-known tradition connects the prayer with Pope St. Gregory the Great.
According to the story, Rome was suffering during a time of plague. During an Easter procession, Gregory heard angels singing the opening lines of the Regina Caeli. He then added the final petition, Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia: “Pray for us to God, alleluia.”
This story is best presented as a pious legend, not as proven in history. The Catholic Encyclopedia states that the author of the prayer is unknown and identifies the Gregory account as a legend.
Why This Prayer Still Matters
The Regina Caeli is ancient, but its message remains easy to understand.
It speaks of joy that comes after sorrow. Mary knew the pain of seeing Jesus suffer and die. The prayer does not ignore that suffering. Instead, it announces that death did not win.
This message can comfort people facing grief, fear, or uncertainty. Easter joy does not pretend that life is easy. It trusts that God’s love is stronger than death and his promises remain true.
Prayer is also practical. It is short enough to fit into a busy day. A person can pray for it before work, during a lunch break, after difficult news, or before sleeping. Its repeated alleluia gently brings the mind back to the Resurrection.
Regina Caeli points beyond temporary happiness to everlasting life. Christ’s Resurrection is not only an Easter celebration; it is the foundation of Christian hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Regina Coeli Latin prayer?
The Regina Coeli, more commonly spelled Regina Caeli in modern Latin, is a Catholic Marian antiphon for Eastertide. It invites Mary to rejoice because Jesus has risen and asks her to pray for the faithful.
What does Regina Coeli Latin mean in English?
It means “Queen of Heaven.” Regina means “queen,” and caeli means “of heaven.”
Is Regina Caeli the same as Regina Coeli Latin?
Yes. They are spelling variants of the same Latin title and refer to the same prayer.
When is Regina Coeli Latin prayed?
It is traditionally prayed from Easter Sunday through Pentecost in place of the Angelus. It may be prayed in the morning, at noon, and in the evening.
Is the Regina Coeli Latin part of the Mass?
It is not a regular part of the Order of Mass. It is a Marian antiphon and devotional prayer. It is also associated with the conclusion of Compline during Eastertide.
Must Catholics pray it in Latin?
No. It can be prayed in English or another language. Latin is traditional but understanding the words and praying sincerely are more important than using one language.
Do people stand while praying to Regina Coeli Latin?
Standing is a traditional Easter posture for this prayer because it represents Christ’s victory over death. In private prayer, a person may use a respectful posture suitable for the situation.
Who wrote Regina Coeli Latin?
The author is unknown. The prayer probably dates from the 10th or 11th century. The story that Pope St. Gregory the Great helped compose it is a pious legend rather than confirmed history.
What does “Ora pro nobis Deum” mean?
It means “Pray for us to God.” It is a request for Mary’s intercession.
What does “Resurrexit, sicut dixit” mean?
It means “He has risen, as he said.” This line proclaims that Jesus fulfilled his promise to rise from the dead.
What are the four Marian antiphons?
They are Alma Redemptoris Mater, Ave Regina Caelorum, Regina Caeli, and Salve Regina. Each is traditionally connected with a season or part of the Church year.
Can the Regina Coeli Latin be prayed outside Eastertide?
A person may use it as a private devotion at any time. Its traditional seasonal place, however, is Eastertide because its words directly celebrate the Resurrection.
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