Marian antiphons; the four antiphons of the Liturgy of the Hours.

## What are Marian Antiphons?Marian antiphons are four liturgical hymns sung or recited at the end of Matins (the last canonical hour of the day) according to the liturgical season. They are called “antiphons” because originally they were sung in an alternating fashion (antiphōnos, from Greek: “response voice”) between two choirs. In Benedictine tradition and the Roman Breviary, these four antiphons structure daily Marian devotion throughout the year:* **Alma Redemptoris Mater** during Advent and Christmas. * **Ave Regina Caelorum** from Purification to Maundy Thursday. * **Regina Caeli** during Paschal Time. * **Salve Regina** from Pentecost to Advent.**1. Alma Redemptoris Mater (Advent and Christmas)**“Alma Redemptoris Mater” (“Mother of the Redeemer, loving”) is attributed to the monk Hermannus Contractus (1013-1054) from Reichenau Abbey. Sung from the first Sunday of Advent until Candlemas (February 2), it greets Mary as “the door that remains open to heaven,” “star of the sea,” and mother who gave birth to the Creator. Theologically, it focuses on the paradox of divine motherhood: Mary is “mother of her Creator” (genitrix Creatoris), a synonym for Theotokos. The final verse asks Mary’s intercession for sinners striving to rise up.**2. Ave Regina Caelorum (Purification to Maundy Thursday)**“Ave Regina Caelorum” (“Hail, Queen of Heaven”) is sung from Purification of Mary (February 2) until the beginning of Holy Week. Of medieval origin, it greets Mary as “root from which the world sprang” and “gate through which light entered the world.” It is the shortest and most joyful of the antiphons. The final verse, “Pray for us to Christ, Queen of Heaven,” encapsulates Mary’s intercessory role.**3. Regina Caeli (Paschal Time)**“Regina Caeli” (“Queen of Heaven”) is sung during Paschal Time, from Easter Vigil to Saturday after Pentecost. Its medieval origins likely date to the 12th century. Structurally, it consists of three parts: (1) Mary’s joy at her Son’s resurrection; (2) fulfillment of the prophecy she received from an angel; and (3) a request for intercession. The Regina Caeli replaces the Angelus during Paschal Time. Benedict XIV (1742) enriched the Regina Caeli with indulgences. On Sundays, at noon, the Angelus is replaced by the Regina Caeli.**4. Salve Regina (Pentecost to Advent)**“Salve Regina” (“Hail, Queen”) is the most well-known of the Marian antiphons. Its authorship is disputed between Hermannus Contractus, Peter of Mezonzo, and Adhémar of Monteil. Sung throughout most of the liturgical year, Salve Regina calls Mary “our life, sweetness, and hope,” describes believers as “exiled children of Eve” weeping and mourning “in this valley of tears,” and ends with a plea to reveal Jesus after his earthly exile. The Salve was adopted by the Dominicans in the 13th century and spread within the Rosary and numerous popular devotions.**Further Study:** Explore Mariology, Marian prayers, Ave Maris Stella, Marian theology, and the Master’s Degree in Mariology at [Locus Mariologicus](https://curso.locusmariologicus.org/25/esperapos2627).