The North Clerestory Windows: The Liturgy of the Hours
9. Antiphons of Mary
This window is dedicated to the four antiphons sung in honor of the Blessed Mother in the Liturgy of the Hours during the course of the year. At the top of the window, the lily surmounted by a crown and surrounded by clouds, announces Mary’s heavenly Queenship. The four antiphons are then presented individually; the principle thought of each antiphon is summarized in symbol following the opening words:
- “Alma Redemptoris Mater,” – “O Gracious Mother of the Redeemer,” is sung from the beginning of Advent until the Feast of the Purification; it commemorates both the Annunciation – the figure of the Angel Gabriel, and the Nativity – the figure of the Chi-Rho within a manger.
- “Ave Regina Caelorum,” – “Hail, Queen of Heaven,” is sung during two periods of the year: from the Purification until Holy Thursday; and from Trinity Sunday until Advent. Mary is hailed as Queen of Heaven – the angelic choir, and as the Root of Jesse – the rod of Jesse superimposed on the harp of David.
- “Regina Coeli Laetare,” – “O Queen of Heaven, Rejoice.” Is the antiphon sung during Paschal time in which we call upon Mary to rejoice with us at the resurrection of our Lord. The Easter mystery is here represented by the Chi-Rho, the empty tomb and the palm branches, to the left; and by the presence of the angel who guarded the tomb, to the right.
- “Salve Regina,” – the familiar “Hail, Holy Queen,” is sung daily after Chapter. The Lamb caught in the brambles represents the plea for mercy made by those who “mourn in this valley of tears”; the Chi-Rho stemming from the lily recalls the verse “show unto us the fruit of your womb, Jesus.”
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