Marian Prayers and Antiphons
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A Treasury of Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary
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Marian prayers have served as a spiritual anchor for centuries, offering faithful Christians a profound way to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and seek her intercession. These prayers express love, trust, and theological recognition of Mary’s unique role as Theotokos (God-bearer), Queen of Heaven, and spiritual Mother to all believers[^1].
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Marian Prayers
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The Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55, RSV-2CE)
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“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior,
for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.
For behold, henceforth, all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm,
he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,
he has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent empty away.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and his posterity forever.”
This canticle, sung by Mary upon her visit to Elizabeth, is one of the Church’s most cherished hymns of praise. It reflects Mary’s deep humility and faith in God’s promises and is recited daily in the Liturgy of the Hours[^2].
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The Memorare
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Remember, O most loving Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother;
to thee do I come, before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Traditionally attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux[^3], the Memorare is a prayer of urgent supplication, invoking Mary’s unwavering intercession in times of need.
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The Angelus
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V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary…
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord;
R. Be it done unto me according to your word. Hail Mary…
V. And the Word was made flesh;
R. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary…
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Traditionally prayed at 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m., the Angelus honors the Incarnation and Mary’s fiat. Its name comes from the Latin opening words: Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae[^4].
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The Oldest Known Marian Prayer (Sub Tuum Praesidium, c. 250 A.D.)
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O Mother of God, we take refuge in your loving care.
Let not our plea to you pass unheeded in the trials that beset us,
but deliver us from danger,
for you alone are truly pure;
you alone are truly blessed.
This ancient prayer was discovered on a papyrus fragment in Egypt, making it the earliest known non-biblical Marian prayer[^5]. It emphasizes Mary’s protective care for the faithful.
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Marian Antiphons
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Seasonal Hymns of the Church
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These four ancient antiphons are sung or recited in the Liturgy of the Hours, particularly at the close of Compline (Night Prayer), each one associated with a liturgical season.
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Alma Redemptoris Mater (Advent through February 2)
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Mother of Christ, hear your people’s cry.
Star of the sea and portal of the sky.
Sinking, we strive and call to you for aid,
Mother of him who you from nothing made.
Oh, by that joy which Gabriel brought to you,
you virgin first and last,
let us your mercy see.
Attributed to Hermann of Reichenau (11th century), this antiphon highlights Mary’s role in the Incarnation and her title as Stella Maris (Star of the Sea)[^6].
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Ave Regina Caelorum (Candlemas to Holy Week)
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Hail, O Queen of Heaven enthroned,
Hail, by angels Mistress owned,
Root of Jesse, Gate of Morn,
whence the world’s true Light was born.
Glorious Virgin, joy to thee,
Loveliest whom in heaven they see,
Fairest thou where all are fair,
plead with Christ our sins to spare.
This antiphon beautifully connects Old Testament prophecy with Marian theology, especially her role as the gateway through which Christ, the Light, enters the world[^7].
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Regina Caeli Laetare (Easter through Pentecost)
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Queen of Heaven, rejoice, Alleluia!
For He whom you were worthy to bear, Alleluia!
Has risen, as He said, Alleluia!
Pray for us to God, Alleluia!
Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is truly risen. Alleluia.
This joyful anthem celebrates the Resurrection of Christ and Mary’s role in salvation history. Its origins may date to the 12th century and it replaces the Angelus during the Easter season[^8].
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Salve Regina (Ordinary Time after Pentecost)
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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.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Composed by Hermann of Reichenau, the Salve Regina was later adopted as the concluding prayer of the Rosary. It reflects the deep Marian devotion of the Middle Ages and is often sung in solemn liturgies[^9].
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Conclusion
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These Marian prayers and antiphons reflect the Church’s rich spiritual heritage and offer a deep well of comfort, intercession, and theological insight. Whether prayed privately or communally, sung during liturgy or whispered in moments of need, they connect us to the loving care of Mary and lead us always to her Son, Jesus Christ.
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Footnotes
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[^1]: Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§963–975, explains Mary’s maternal role in the order of grace.
[^2]: The Liturgy of the Hours, Roman Catholic Church, Evening Prayer, daily Magnificat.
[^3]: While commonly attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (12th century), the earliest versions of the Memorare appeared in the 15th century.
[^4]: Catholic Encyclopedia, “Angelus,” New Advent.
[^5]: O’Carroll, Michael. Theotokos: A Theological Encyclopedia of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Wipf & Stock, 2000), p. 338.
[^6]: Duffy, Eamon. Marking the Hours: English People and Their Prayers 1240–1570 (Yale University Press, 2006).
[^7]: Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, 2006, on Marian antiphons and biblical prophecy.
[^8]: Fortescue, Adrian. The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described (Burns & Oates, 1917).
[^9]: Reynolds, Philip Lyndon. How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels (HarperOne, 2012), notes the Salve Regina’s musical and liturgical significance.​
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About Prayer
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Contemplative vs Discursive Prayer
Solving Problems Through Prayer
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Various Prayer
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Prayers to The Virgin Mary
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