Antiphona ad Benedictus

This antiphon quotes the beloved Salve Regina: 'Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae: vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra' (Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy: our life, our sweetness, and our hope). Attributed to various medieval authors, this antiphon has been sung at Compline since the 12th century. The threefold titles (life, sweetness, hope) present Mary as source of spiritual vitality. The Queenship feast (May 31 in the 1962 calendar, later moved to August 22) celebrates Mary's royal dignity as Mother of the King. At Lauds, framing the Benedictus, this antiphon transforms Zechariah's messianic prophecy into homage to the Queen Mother.