Hail Holy Queen
Salve Regina
The closing prayer of the Rosary, a tender plea to Our Lady.
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. 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. V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
In Latin
Salve, Regina, Mater misericordiæ, vita, dulcédo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamámus, éxsules fílii Hevæ. Ad te suspirámus, geméntes et flentes in hac lacrimárum valle. Eia ergo, advocáta nostra, illos tuos misericórdes óculos ad nos convérte. Et Iesum, benedíctum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsílium osténde. O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo María.
History
This ancient prayer dates to at least the 11th century and is one of four Marian antiphons sung at Compline (Night Prayer).
When to Pray
After the Rosary, at Compline, or anytime you wish to invoke Mary's help.