Marian
Antiphons
The
Franciscan tradition is to sing a Marian antiphon at the last office recited
in community. Accordingly, we sing one of the following Marian antiphons
at the conclusion of each Vespers celebration.
The antiphons vary according to the liturgical season.
Why are they called
antiphons? By definition, an antiphon is a piece of music chanted
or sung in responsive, alternating parts. Well, notice the asterisk (*) in
the first line. When these beautiful prayers are chanted, the cantor sings
the words up to the asterisk, and then everyone responds with the rest of
the piece.
Alma
Redemptoris Mater
The Alma Redemptoris Mater
is sung from the First Sunday of Advent to the Feast of the
Presentation of the Lord.
An English translation of the Latin
text can be found on the Vespers page. More information
about Gregorian chant can be found on the Chant page.
A guide to the pronunciation of ecclesiastical and classical Latin can be
found on the Latin page.
| Simple tone (Mode V): |
 |
Ave
Regina Cælorum
The Ave Regina Cælorum
is sung from the first day after the Feast of the Presentation of the
Lord to Holy Saturday.
An English translation of the Latin
text can be found on the Vespers page. More information
about Gregorian chant can be found on the Chant page.
A guide to the pronunciation of ecclesiastical and classical Latin can be
found on the Latin page.
| Simple tone (Mode VI): |
 |
Regina
Cæli
The Regina Cæli is
sung from Easter to Pentecost.
An English translation of the Latin
text can be found on the Vespers page. More information
about Gregorian chant can be found on the Chant page.
A guide to the pronunciation of ecclesiastical and classical Latin can be
found on the Latin page.
| Simple tone (Mode VI): |
 |
Salve
Regina
The Salve Regina is sung
after Pentecost to the First Sunday of Advent.
An English translation of the Latin
text can be found on the Vespers page. More information
about Gregorian chant can be found on the Chant page.
A guide to the pronunciation of ecclesiastical and classical Latin can be
found on the Latin page.
| Simple tone (Mode V): |
 |
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