The antiphon of the waiting Church, from Advent to the Presentation.
The seasonal Marian antiphon of Advent and Christmastide.
When: After Night Prayer, from the First Sunday of Advent through 2 February, the Presentation of the Lord.
Why: It holds together the two wonders of these weeks: the gate of heaven opened, and a Virgin who bore her own Creator while nature looked on in astonishment.
Loving Mother of the Redeemer, gate of heaven, star of the sea, hasten to help your fallen people who strive to rise once more.
You who bore, while all nature marveled, your own holy Creator, Virgin before and after, who received that Ave from the mouth of Gabriel, have mercy on us sinners.