One of the most misunderstood aspects of the Catholic Church is the devotion to the Virgin Mary. Prayers offered to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, are often misinterpreted as worship, but rather, they are a form of veneration and devotion.
While many argue that saints are also venerated, the catholic church recognizes and gives the status of Hyperdulia to Mother Mary, which summarizes the special honor given to Jesus’s mother.
Mother Mary became the intercessor for humanity, which established a tradition of devotees offering their intentions to be presented to God the Most High and her son Jesus.
It is only fitting to call her the Queen of the Universe, which has been beautifully summarized in the hymn “Salve Regina,” which in English means “Hail Holy Queen.”
The significance of the words
‘Hail Holy Queen’ is a beautiful prayer originally taken from the hymn Salve Regina, which talks about Mother Mary’s role in our lives. The role of Mother Mary is intertwined with the presence of the Trinity and the values that it represents.
The prayer is also a reminder of the original sin committed by our ancestor Eve in the Garden of Eden: “To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve”. It talks about the Blessed Virgin being the Mother of Mercy and the cornerstone of Sweetness and Hope as she brings comfort, salvation, and consolation to the sick and needy.
The prayer also beautifully references Mother Mary’s advocacy of mercy and the wave of motherly care that she offers. Reciting the Hail Holy Queen in your prayers will help you embrace her warmth, love, mercy, and salvation and will bring you closer to God.
Historical Background of the Prayer
Salve Regina, or Hail Holy Queen, recited by millions of catholics globally, is a prayer given to the world by a Benedictine monk. Herman the Lame was his name, who was the son of the Count of Wolfrath 11 & Hiltrude in Germany. He was born in the early 11th century and had fourteen siblings.
Among his siblings, he was one of the most unfortunate ones as he contracted his limbs due to cold temperatures. During this difficult time and the massive transition, he resorted to the perpetual succour and sought her comfort and salvation. His health was restored, and he later went to the monastery school in Switzerland.
The prayer started gaining popularity in the 12th century due to various groups emphasizing the importance of the Marian culture and dedicated feasts in her name. The words of the prayer, also called an Antiphon for the Blessed Virgin, are actually a cry for help that resonated among many who sought comfort, health, and salvation.
This was acknowledged by the church, making it a part of the liturgical practices, which have now been beautifully integrated with the Rosary.
Why should you recite Salve Regina?
If you reflect on the words of the Hail Holy Queen, you will soon realize the significance and the theme of the words used in it. It accurately depicts the cry for help while highlighting Mother Mary’s important role in Catholicism.
It focuses on the pillars of intercession of the Blessed Virgin and offers a deep reverence to her. Catholics recite Hail, Holy Queen to seek comfort in the hour of difficulty and sorrow, and also during joyous occasions to seek her blessings.
It is also a cry for help to help you present your intentions to God, as she is seen as the purest of souls, free from the original sin. The prayer is also a part of the Liturgy of the Hour, which is recited daily before going to bed. It is customary to also recite it before the Litany, invoking her presence during joys and sorrows.
The Comforter of the afflicted
The Blessed Virgin Mary has been given various names based on her role as an advocate for mercy and the intercessor for humanity. The one that stands out the most is the comforter of the afflicted and the Queen of the Universe.
It talks about the deep relationship of Mumma Mary with the hearts of the many, no matter where you are from. This Antiphon to her will also help you strengthen your relationship with God and purify your heart & soul.
