Catholic Prayer Collection

Hail Holy Queen Prayer

Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
our life, our sweetness and our hope, hail.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us.
And after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Amen.

Origin of the Hail Holy Queen

The Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina in Latin) is one of the most well-known Marian prayers in the Catholic tradition. It originated in the 11th century and is often attributed to Saint Hermann of Reichenau (1013-1054), although some sources suggest it may have been written by Peter of Monsoro or Adhémar of Monteil. The prayer became an official part of the Divine Office (Roman Breviary) in the 12th century.

Meaning and Importance

The Hail Holy Queen honors the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. This prayer acknowledges Mary's role as our intercessor and advocate before God. In this prayer, we recognize our condition as "banished children of Eve" living in this "valley of tears" and ask for Mary's mercy to show us Jesus after our exile in this world is over.

Use in Catholic Devotion

The Hail Holy Queen is used in various liturgical contexts and Catholic devotions:

As a concluding prayer of the Rosary, especially after the final Glory Be
As part of the Divine Office (Roman Breviary), particularly at the end of Compline (night prayer)
During certain liturgical seasons, especially from the Feast of the Holy Trinity until Advent
As a personal prayer for Mary's intercession

How to Pray the Hail Holy Queen

The Hail Holy Queen can be recited at any time, either alone or in a group. It is often recited after the Rosary or as a closing prayer before sleep. When praying, reflect on the words being spoken and their meaning, especially our acknowledgment as people in need of Mary's mercy and intercession to bring us to Jesus.