Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven)

The opening words of the Eastertide anthem of the Blessed Virgin, the recitation of which is prescribed from Compline of Holy Saturday until Afternoon Prayer of the Saturday after Pentecost inclusively. You can see the Gregorian Chant melody at: http://www.shrinesf.org/marian.htm#rc. Substitute this prayer for the Angelus during the Paschal (Easter) season.

Regina coeli laetare, Alleluia, Quia quem meruisti portare, Alleluia, Resurrexit, sicut dixit, Alleluia. Ora pro nobis Deum. Alleluia.

The authorship of the "Regina Caeli" being unknown, legend says the St. Gregory the Great (d. 604) heard the first three lines chanted by angels on a certain Easter morning in Rome while he walked barefoot in a great religious procession and that the saint thereupon added the fourth line: "Ora pro nobis Deum. Alleluia." — Fr. Gant, moderator, Catholic News

A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful, who devoutly recite this according to the formula indicated for the time of the year.

It is a praiseworthy practice to recite these prayers in the early morning, at noon, and in the evening.

V. Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia: R. For he whom you merited to bear, alleluia,

V. Has risen, as he said, alleluia. R. Pray for us to God, alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia. R. Because the Lord is truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, who by the Resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, granted joy to the whole world: grant, we beg you, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, his Mother, we may lay hold of the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. (Roman Breviary)