Corpus Christi Blog

Some may remember this fundamental question from part one of the old Baltimore Catechism: Why did God make you? Answer: “God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in heaven.” Man was created with a purpose, and that purpose is to share in the very life of God by loving and serving him who is all love. Then, since this life on earth is transitory, our sharing in his life is intended to continue into eternity as we love and glorify him forever in heaven. The goal of reaching heaven is one every soul shares, even if someone is not necessarily aware of it. However, there are forces that would prefer we not reach that goal and actively work against us every minute of every day. We will now reflect on the enemies of our salvation – the flesh, the world, and the devil – so we can be more aware of the obstacles we face in obtaining eternal happiness.

This is the conclusion of a five-part series in which we have been closely examining each stanza of the Salve Regina. The hymn calls upon Mary under some of her well-deserved titles, such as Queen and Mother of Mercy, by virtue of her being the mother of our King and Savior. It also petitions her under her roles as intercessor and advocate, recognizing her powerful influence with her Son. We will now look at the final two stanzas of this beautiful hymn to better understand the words we pray.

We are continuing a five-part series in which we are closely examining each stanza of the Salve Regina. We’ve looked at some of Mary’s well-deserved titles, such as Queen and Mother of Mercy, and at how her roles as intercessor and advocate are powerful with her Son. Now, we will reflect on the next two stanzas of the hymn to better understand what we are praying in the Salve Regina.

We have reached the midway point of a five-part series in which we are gaining a deeper understanding of the Salve Regina. Sometimes, we become so accustomed to saying certain prayers that we don’t stop to think about what we really mean by our words. The hymn is a prayer to Mary, imploring her under various titles and asking for her intercession. We will now move on to the next two stanzas of the hymn to better understand what we are praying for.

Last week, we began a five-part series in which we are dissecting the text of the Salve Regina to gain a deeper understanding of the hymn. We covered Mary’s roles as Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, Our Life, and Our Sweetness. We will now move on to the next set of words we pray in the Salve Regina.

One of our most beloved Catholic Marian hymns or prayers is the Salve Regina, Latin for “Hail, Holy Queen.” This hymn, composed in Latin in the 11th century, is sung or recited as part of the Liturgy of the Hours (especially at Compline) and serves as the final prayer of the Rosary. Since its true author is unknown, its authorship is widely regarded as anonymous today. Tradition largely attributes it to Hermann of Reichenau (1013-1054), a German Benedictine monk. The Cistercians and Dominicans helped popularize the hymn in the 12th and 13th centuries, and it was officially added to the Roman Breviary by Pope Pius V in 1568. Like all Marian prayers, the Salve Regina emphasizes Mary’s various roles by virtue of her being Jesus’s mother and asking for her intercession.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last November and December, 187 parishioners took the time to complete the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) Survey. This survey was conducted in parishes throughout our Diocese and across the country as part of a broader effort to better understand and strengthen parish life. I would like to begin by sincerely thanking everyone who participated.