Antiphona ad Magnificat (I Vesperis)

From Apocalypse 12:1, this antiphon describes the Woman of the Apocalypse: 'Signum magnum apparuit in caelo: mulier amicta sole' (a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun). The cosmic imagery (sun-clothed, moon underfoot, twelve-starred crown) has been applied to Mary since the Fathers, though the text also signifies the Church and Israel. The 'corona stellarum duodecim' (crown of twelve stars) suggests the twelve tribes and twelve apostles - Mary crowned with the fullness of God's people. At First Vespers of Mary's Queenship, this antiphon presents her royalty in apocalyptic splendor.