Hymns to the Bless Virgin Mary
There are numerous hymns ('sacred poetry set to music') to the Virgin Mary. Several of the most widely used are
featured on this page.
Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina)
The original Latin words and music are attributed to Hermannus Contractus in the 11th century.
Hail! holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria!
Hail! Mother of Mercy and of love, O Maria!
(Chorus) Triumph, all ye cherubim, Sing with us, ye seraphim,
Heaven and earth resound the hymn:
Salve, salve, salve Regina!
Our life, our sweetness here below, O Maria!
Our hope in sorrow and in woe, O Maria!
(Chorus)
To thee we cry, poor sons of Eve, O Maria!
To thee we sigh, we mourn, we grieve, O Maria!
(Chorus)
This earth is but a vale of tears, O Maria!
A place of banishment, of fears, O Maria!
(Chorus)
Turn then, most gracious advocate, O Maria!
Toward us thine eyes compassionate, O Maria!
(Chorus)
When this our exile is complete, O Maria!
Show us thy, Son, Our Jesus sweet, O Maria!
(Chorus)
O clement, gracious, Mother sweet, O Maria!
O Virgin Mary, we entreat, O Maria!
(Chorus)
Angels, all your praises bring, Earth and heaven, with us
sing,
All creation echoing:
Salve, salve, salve Regina!
Hail, O Star of the Ocean (Ave Maris Stella)
A traditional 9th century hymn used in Evening Prayer and Marian feasts.
Hail, O Star of the ocean, God's own Mother blest,
ever sinless Virgin, gate of heav'nly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came,
peace confirm within us, changing Eve's name.
Break the sinners' fetters, make our blindness day,
Chase all evils from us, for all blessings pray.
Show thyself a Mother, may the Word divine
born for us thine Infant hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling, mildest of the mild,
free from guilt preserve us meek and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless, make our way secure
till we find in Jesus, joy for evermore.
Praise to God the Father, honor to the Son,
in the Holy Spirit, be the glory one.
Amen.
Immaculate Mary
The 'Lourdes Hymn' written by Abbe Gaignet to a traditional French tune (up to 60 verses are used at the shrine)
Immaculate Mary, thy praises we sing,
who reignest in splendor with Jesus our King.
(Chorus) Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!
In heaven, the blessed thy glory proclaim;
On earth, we thy children invoke thy fair name.
(Chorus)
Thy name is our power, thy virtues our light,
Thy love is our comfort, thy pleading our might.
(Chorus)
We pray for our mother, the Church upon earth;
And bless, dearest Lady, the land of our birth.
(Chorus)
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