Commissioned by St. James’s Church, Sussex Gardens
Text:
Sing we to this merry company: Regina caeli, laetare!
Holy Maid, blessed thou be;
The Son of God is born of thee,
The Father of Heaven, thus live we:
Regina caeli, laetare!
Sing we to this merry company: Regina caeli, laetare!
Thou art Empress of Heaven, free; (wholly, fully)
Now art thou Mother in majesty,
Knitted into the blessed Trinity:
Regina caeli, laetare!
Sing we to this merry company: Regina caeli, laetare!
Hail wife, hail Maid, bright of hue!
Hail daughter, hail sister full of pity!
Hail cousin to the Persons Three!
Regina caeli, laetare!
Sing we to this merry company: Regina caeli, laetare!
Lo, this courteous King of high degree
Would be thy son with solemnity:
Mary mild, this is thy fee (reward)
Regina caeli, laetare!
Sing we to this merry company: Regina caeli, laetare!
Therefore kneel we on our knee;
Thy blissful birth now worship we
With this song of melody:
Regina caeli, laetare!
Sing we to this merry company: Regina caeli, laetare!
Text adapted by Fr Paul Thomas