As Easter Sunday fades into memory, Catholics worldwide turn their gaze towards Easter Monday, known reverently as 'Monday of the Angel.' This day, often referred to as 'Little Easter,' holds profound significance within the Catholic tradition, embodying the essence of divine proclamation and joyous revelation.

At the heart of this sacred observance lies a profound encounter recounted in the Gospel of St. Matthew. As Pope John Paul II eloquently elucidated in a poignant Vatican Radio recording in 1994, the title 'Monday of the Angel' finds its roots in the celestial messenger who heralded the triumphant words from the depths of the grave: "He is risen."

The significance of this proclamation cannot be understated. Amidst the profound mystery of Christ's resurrection, it was not mere mortals but heavenly beings—angels—who first bore witness to the miraculous event. Reflecting on this, Pope John Paul II noted the inherent challenge in conveying such divine truth, emphasizing the indispensable role of angels as messengers of God's eternal plan of salvation.

Indeed, angels, as articulated in Catholic theology, transcend the material realm, embodying intellects and wills that serve as conduits for divine communication. As Christ Himself attested, angels perpetually behold the countenance of the heavenly Father, their presence intertwined with the unfolding drama of redemption.

Furthermore, the connection between angels and the Easter narrative is unmistakable. From the Annunciation to the Resurrection, these celestial beings have played pivotal roles in heralding pivotal moments in salvation history. Just as an angel announced the conception of Christ to the Blessed Mother, so too did an angel proclaim His resurrection to Mary Magdalene and the other faithful women.

This theological tapestry finds its expression in the cherished prayer of the Regina Caeli, which replaces the Angelus during the Easter season. As Pope Benedict XVI remarked on a poignant Monday of the Angel in 2008, this prayer serves as a jubilant 'Annunciation' to Mary, inviting her to rejoice in the fulfillment of God's promises through the resurrection of her Son.

In the Regina Caeli, the faithful echo the angelic proclamation, rejoicing in the risen Christ and beseeching the intercession of the Queen of Heaven. Through these timeless words, Christians participate in the eternal song of praise, affirming the truth of Christ's resurrection and the profound joy it brings to humanity.

As the Catholic Church gathers on this sacred day, it does so under the luminous banner of the 'Monday of the Angel,' a reminder of the transcendent reality of Christ's victory over death and the enduring presence of heavenly messengers in God's divine plan of salvation.