final antiphon
final antiphon
A chant in honor of the Blessed Virgin, recited in the Divine Office at the conclusion of Complin and Lauds . It consists of hymn, versicle, response, and prayer. The four final antiphons now in use have had a place in the Roman Breviary since the 13th century , though they are of a much earlier composition and their use in monastic breviaries is older. These antiphons are: “Alma Redemptoris Mater,” recited from Advent to the feast of the Purification; “Ave Regina Crelorum,” from the feast of the Purification to Wednesday of Holy Week inclusively: “Regina Creli,” recited during Eastertide; “Salve Regina,” from Trinity Sunday to Advent .