Interpretation
The song lyrics 'Hail Holy Queen' from the movie
Sister Act are a beautiful hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary, revered as the Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy and Love.
In the first verse 'Hail holy queen enthroned above, Oh Maria...Triumph all ye cherubim...Sing with us ye seraphim. Heaven and earth resound the hymn. Salve, salve, salve regina.', Mary is praised as the Holy Queen enthroned above all. The angels (cherubim and seraphim) are invited to sing along and heaven and earth are to resound with this hymn. 'Salve Regina' is in Latin and means 'Hail, Queen'.
Throughout the song, Mary is portrayed as the hope in sorrow and woe, as our life and sweetness here below.
The 'Al le lu ia' part is an expression of joy and praise, often used in a religious context.
In the section 'Mater amater intermerata, Sanctus, sanctus, dominus, Virgo respice mater ad spice, Sanctus, sanctus, dominus,', Latin religious expressions are used. 'Mater amater intermerata' means 'Immaculate Mother', 'Sanctus, sanctus, dominus' means 'Holy, holy, Lord'. 'Virgo respice mater ad spice' could be interpreted as 'Virgin, look, Mother, look here'.
Overall, it can be said that the song 'Hail Holy Queen' is a praise to the Virgin Mary, portrayed as the source of life, sweetness, hope and comfort in times of sorrow and suffering. It is a song of worship and respect that highlights Mary's role in Christianity.