On the Feast of the Assumption: Salve Regina. Hail, Holy Queen!

​Veneration to the Blessed Mother is known throughout the Catholic world in prayer, song and image. On the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Mary  on August 15th, as well as other feast days dedicated to her, the Catholic world prays or sings:
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Salve Regina, Mater Misericordiae
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy
 
Vita dulceddo
Our Life
 
Et spes nostros, Salve!
And our hope, Hail!

Shrine at Kylemore Abbey, ireland

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     The above words are the introduction to the widely known 11th century Marian hymn titled Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen). It is one of the four traditional seasonal Marian antiphons (a verse sung or recited as a refrain during Christian religious services) in the Catholic Church. Traditionally, it was sung in Latin. A very short, but lovely version, can be heard here: 

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​In English the hymn it is known  as "Hail, Holy Queen."

In Poland the hymn became "Witaj, Królowo Nieba i Matko Litości" ("Hail, Queen of Heaven and Mother of Mercy") a well-known paraphrase of Salve Regina by an unknown author. Over the centuries, it has become an integral part of Poland's religious heritage, sung in churches and during religious services. It became especially popular at funerals that calls for hope in sorrow and grief.

Many translations of the prayer/song exists in other languages exist. Her image can be found throughout the Catholic world in public places as well as private courtyards.

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In Italian it is also known as "Salve, Regina" or "Salve Regina, Madre di misericordia. "




Monterosso, in Northern Italy

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Our Lady of Guadalupe

In Spanish, the song is known as "Dios te salve, Reina y Madre"

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      Besides being sung on her feast days it is most famous as the concluding prayer of the Rosary and a staple of ancient monastic night prayer, expressing hope and turning to Mary for mercy.

      A blessed Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

      Thank you for reading. 

       All photos taken by author. 

   For more about customs and traditions associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary in Poland you may be interested in Polish Customs, Traditions and Folklore through Hippocrene Books, Inc. 2024 now offering a special promotion of 40% off on all my books through Indiepubs.com with the promo code HIPPOCRENE40. indiepubs.com/search?type=product&q=sophie+hodorowicz+knab