Antiphona ad Benedictus

This antiphon invokes Mary as Queen: 'O beata Mater et intacta Virgo, gloriosa Regina mundi' (O blessed Mother and intact Virgin, glorious Queen of the world). The threefold titles (Mother, Virgin, Queen) encapsulate Marian theology. The petition 'intercede pro nobis ad Dominum' requests mediation. At Lauds on the Divine Maternity (October 11), instituted by Pius XI in 1931 to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of Ephesus, this antiphon celebrates the Council's definition: Mary is truly Theotokos, Mother of God, not merely Christotokos.