Marian Hymns and Songs dedicated to the Virgin Mary

This page is dedicated to Marian hymns and songs that have inspired prayer, devotion, and love for the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout the centuries. Sacred music has long been a way for the faithful to contemplate Mary’s role in the mystery of salvation, express trust in her maternal intercession, and deepen their relationship with Christ. May these hymns invite moments of reflection, peace, and prayer, helping hearts draw closer to God through the beauty of Marian devotion.
The Song of the Angels by William Adolphe Bouguereau (feature artwork)
Salve Regina (with Lyrics)
Salve Regina – Gregorian Chant, solemn melody. Harpa Dei
Regina Caeli (Marian Antiphon for Eastertide, Gregorian chant with Lyrics).
Regina Caeli (Latin Lyrics with English translation)
Gounod, J.S. Bach: Ave Maria, CG 89a (Orch. Gamley)
Ave Maria, (Schubert)
Ave Maria: Sancta Mater
Resources
Marian hymns and devotional songs honoring the Virgin Mary (ranging from ancient Gregorian chants to contemporary hymns).
Four Seasonal Marian Hymns/Anthems
In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, four specific “Marian Antiphons” or anthems are sung at the end of Compline (Night Prayer) depending on the liturgical season:
- Alma Redemptoris Mater (Loving Mother of our Redeemer): Sung from the first Sunday of Advent through Candlemas (February 2).
- Ave Regina Caelorum (Hail, Queen of Heaven): Sung from Candlemas through Holy Week.
- Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven, Rejoice): Sung during Eastertide (Easter Sunday through Pentecost).
- Salve Regina (Hail, Holy Queen): Sung during Ordinary Time (from Trinity Sunday until Advent).
Popular Traditional and Classical Hymns/songs
- Ave Maria (Hail Mary): The most famous Marian prayer, set to music by numerous composers, most notably Franz Schubert and Bach/Gounod.
- Ave Maris Stella (Hail, Star of the Sea): An ancient 8th-century chant invoking Mary as a guiding star for travelers and souls.
- Immaculate Mary (The Lourdes Hymn): Famous for its “Ave, Ave, Ave Maria” refrain, traditionally sung at Lourdes.
- O Sanctissima (O Most Holy): An 18th-century Sicilian hymn, often called the Sicilian Mariners Hymn.
- Stabat Mater: A 13th-century hymn portraying Mary’s suffering at the foot of the cross.
- Magnificat: Mary’s own song of praise from the Gospel of Luke, a staple in Vespers (Evening Prayer).
Common English Devotional Songs
- Hail Holy Queen Enthroned Above: An English adaptation of the Salve Reginacommonly used as a recessional hymn.
- Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly: A popular hymn by Roland Palmer highlighting the Incarnation and Mary’s role in the life of Christ.
- On This Day, O Beautiful Mother: A favorite for May Crowning ceremonies.
- Bring Flowers of the Rarest: Also known as “Queen of the May,” widely used during May devotions.
