When I was a young boy from about the age of 7, I sang in the church choir.

I learned by heart the sung parts of the Latin Mass which post Vatican II was being phased out in favour of Mass being said in the vernacular – our own English language.

Recently, I have noticed that small elements of Latin are being said and sung on some occasions in church services, and one of these occasions which gives me a feeling of great joy, is what is known as the Novena Prayer to Our Lady (Mary, Mother of Jesus) which I attend on a Tuesday Evening.

We sing the following hymn (English Translation below):-

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

Priest sings: Gaude et lætare Virgo Maria, alleluia.

Response: Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia

We then say the following prayer (English Translation below):-

Oremus (Let us Pray)
Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Iesu Christi,
mundum lætificare dignatus es:
præsta, quæsumus, ut per eius Genitricem Virginem Mariam,
perpetuæ capiamus gaudia vitæ.
Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.

Response: Amen.

Now, in truth, I only understand the odd word of it, but the feeling I have when I sing the hymn and recite the prayer is similar to hearing French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese people speak when I am visiting their countries on holiday.

I don’t understand what they are saying, but I can pick up on the sentiment of what is being said, perhaps in the tone of their voice, or the speed at which they speak, or the reaction of their listener (laughing/looking shocked/whispering a response etc.)

During the “Regina Coeli” I know that I am listening to something holy, connected to Our Blessed Lady and the reaction within me is one of peace and of healing.

My next blog will be:    “Dragged Along”

William Defoe

“Queen of Heaven” (Regina Coeli)

Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
The Son whom you merited to bear, alleluia.
Has risen, as He said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.

Priest:  Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.

Response: For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray.
O God, who through the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ
gave rejoicing to the world,
grant, we pray, that through his Mother, the Virgin Mary,
we may obtain the joy of everlasting life.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.