Christ is risen! As Catholics, Easter marks the highest point in the liturgical year and is cause for the greatest rejoicing and celebration. The Resurrection of Our Lord is the source of our joy and the foundation of our hope and faith as His disciples. Among the rich liturgical treasures of Eastertide is the joyful antiphon proclaimed in the liturgies and devotions of the Church, the Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven).

The Regina Caeli is one of four Marian antiphons of Catholic tradition. An antiphon is a short liturgical text chanted or sung responsively preceding or following a psalm, psalm verse, or canticle. Antiphons are traditionally said or sung after night prayer, immediately before going to sleep. The Regina Caeli is prayed throughout Eastertide (from Easter Sunday through Pentecost, the seventh Sunday after Easter).

In this lesson, students will hear a beautiful musical setting of the Regina Caeli, written by the Spanish composer, Tomás Luis de Victoria (ca. 1548–1611). They will then reflect on their experience of it, and discuss how the musical setting of this prayer helps to affirm, celebrate, or illuminate our Holy Catholic Faith.