Salve Regina
Monks Of The Abbey Of Notre Dame Lyrics
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Regína,
Mater misericórdiæ,
Vita, dulcédo, et spes nostra, salve.
Ad te clamámus éxsules fílii Hevæ.
Ad te suspirámus, geméntes et flentes
In hac lacrimárum valle.
Eia, ergo, advocáta nostra,
Illos tuos misericórdes óculos
Ad nos convérte.
Et Jesum, benedíctum fructum ventris tui,
Nobis post hoc exsílium osténde.
O clemens,
O pia,
O dulcis Virgo María
The song Salve Regina is a hymn that is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is referred to as the Queen and Mother of Mercy. The lyrics evoke a sense of reverence, love, and devotion towards Mother Mary, praising her for the central role she plays in the Christian faith. The hymn describes Mary as the source of life, sweetness, and hope for humanity, and appeals to her to intercede on behalf of them, especially those who have been exiled from their spiritual home, Eden.
The song begins with the invocation "Salve Regina," which means "Hail, Queen." It is followed by the epithets "Mater misericórdiæ" (Mother of Mercy), "Vita, dulcédo, et spes nostra" (Our life, sweetness, and hope), which emphasize Mary's compassionate and life-giving nature. The hymn then addresses her as an advocate for the exiles, who are mourning and weeping in this "valley of tears" and begs her to turn her merciful eyes towards them. It concludes with the prayer for the grace of beholding Jesus, the blessed fruit of her womb, after the trials of earthly life.
Overall, the hymn Salve Regina reflects the Catholic tradition of venerating Mary as a holy figure and intercessor, who can bring the devotees closer to God. The lyrics express the belief that Mary is not only a model of piety and devotion but also a friend and guide to all those who seek salvation.
Line by Line Meaning
Salve,
We greet you,
Regína,
Queen,
Mater misericórdiæ,
Mother of Mercy,
Vita, dulcédo, et spes nostra, salve.
Our life, our sweetness, and our hope, we greet you.
Ad te clamámus éxsules fílii Hevæ.
To you we cry, the banished children of Eve.
Ad te suspirámus, geméntes et flentes
To you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping
In hac lacrimárum valle.
In this valley of tears.
Eia, ergo, advocáta nostra,
Come then, our advocate,
Illos tuos misericórdes óculos
Turn those merciful eyes of yours
Ad nos convérte.
Towards us.
Et Jesum, benedíctum fructum ventris tui,
And after this our exile,
Nobis post hoc exsílium osténde.
Show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
O clemens,
O merciful one,
O pia,
O loving one,
O dulcis Virgo María
O sweet Virgin Mary.
Writer(s): John T Matarazzo
Contributed by Samantha D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.