Alma Redemptoris Mater – Loving Mother of the Redeemer
“Alma Redemptoris Mater“, a traditional Marian antiphon sung from the First Sunday of Advent until the Feast of the Presentation (Candlemas, February 2nd).
✨ Alma Redemptoris Mater – “Loving Mother of the Redeemer”
This antiphon is one of the four seasonal Marian antiphons sung at the end of Compline (Night Prayer) in the Liturgy of the Hours. It is traditionally chanted or recited during the Advent and Christmas seasons, specifically:
- From the First Sunday of Advent
- Until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas – February 2nd)
🕊️ Latin Text of Alma Redemptoris Mater
Alma Redemptoris Mater,
quae pervia caeli porta manes,
et stella maris,
succurre cadenti,
surgere qui curat, populo:
tu quae genuisti,
natura mirante,
tuum sanctum Genitorem,
Virgo prius ac posterius,
Gabrielis ab ore
sumens illud Ave,
peccatorum miserere.
🌟 English Translation
Loving Mother of the Redeemer,
gate of heaven, star of the sea,
assist your people who have fallen
yet strive to rise again.
To the wonderment of nature
you bore your Creator,
yet remained a virgin after as before.
You who received Gabriel’s joyful greeting,
have mercy on us sinners.
🙏 How It’s Used Spiritually
During the Advent and Christmas season, Alma Redemptoris Mater expresses:
- Longing for the Redeemer
- Veneration of Mary as the one who bore Christ
- Hope and trust in her intercession, especially in times of spiritual need
It’s especially beautiful to use this antiphon in your personal evening prayers or as part of a daily examen, focusing on Mary’s openness to God’s will.
🌌 Guided Meditation: Alma Redemptoris Mater
Theme: Waiting with Mary — the Gateway to Christ
A guided meditation on the “Alma Redemptoris Mater” for this Advent season. A time of quiet expectancy and holy longing.
This meditation is meant to be prayed slowly, perhaps in the evening, allowing space for silence and contemplation.
🕯️ 1. Preparation
Find a quiet space. Light a candle if you can, symbolizing Christ, the Light coming into the world.
Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths.
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
🙏 2. Opening Prayer
O Lord, in this holy season of waiting,
open my heart to the mystery of Your coming.
Through the intercession of Mary,
help me to prepare a dwelling place for You within.
Let this time of prayer draw me closer to Your Light. Amen.
📖 3. Scripture for Reflection
(You may slowly read this aloud or in silence, imagining yourself in the scene.)
Luke 1:26–38 – The Annunciation
Pause at Gabriel’s words:
“Rejoice, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
Let Mary’s response echo in your heart:
“Let it be done to me according to your word.”
Ask yourself:
- What does it mean to wait with trust, as Mary did?
- Where in my life is God inviting me to say “yes”?
- What part of me is still longing for His coming?
🎶 4. Enter the Prayer: Alma Redemptoris Mater
Now pray the Latin slowly, letting the phrases sink in:
Alma Redemptoris Mater,
Loving Mother of the Redeemer,
quae pervia caeli porta manes,
Gate of heaven, always open…
Visualize Mary as the door through which Christ entered the world … not only 2,000 years ago, but today, into your life.
Imagine yourself approaching that gateway. What burdens do you carry? What hope stirs within you?
Pause and speak from your heart.
🌊 5. Contemplate: Star of the Sea
et stella maris,
and star of the sea…
In ancient times, sailors looked to the stars to navigate. Mary is called “Stella Maris” because she points us to Jesus.
Imagine you’re in a small boat on a dark sea. You look up and see a radiant star — Mary — guiding you safely to the shore, to Christ.
Ask yourself:
- What storms do I face right now?
- How is Mary guiding me to safety?
Let yourself rest in her presence.
🤲 6. Let the Prayer Speak for You
succurre cadenti, surgere qui curat populo
assist the fallen, striving to rise again…
Silently speak to God:
- Where do you feel fallen, weary, or uncertain?
- In what area of your life are you striving to rise?
Invite Mary’s intercession. She is the one who knows the struggle of waiting, of hoping, of surrendering to God.
🕯️ 7. Closing Prayer
O Alma Mater, loving Mother of the Redeemer,
I entrust myself to your care.
Help me to wait in hope and walk in faith,
as you did.
Teach me to say yes to God —
not only with words, but with my life.
Prepare my heart to receive your Son. Amen.
📝 Optional Journaling Prompts
Take a few moments to reflect in a journal:
- What grace do I desire this Advent?
- Where do I need Mary’s help to open the gates of my heart?
- What does “Come, Lord Jesus” mean for me right now?
