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Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Litany of Loreto, is a formal prayer consisting of a series of invocations to Mary for her intercession. Originating in the 16th century at the Italian shrine of Loreto, it was officially approved for public use and is prayed to honor Mary's virtues and seek her powerful help.

Prayer Text

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us. Holy Mary, pray for us. Holy Mother of God, pray for us. Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us. Mother of Christ, pray for us. Mother of divine grace, pray for us. Mother most pure, pray for us. Mother most chaste, pray for us. Mother inviolate, pray for us. Mother undefiled, pray for us. Mother most amiable, pray for us. Mother most admirable, pray for us. Mother of good counsel, pray for us. Mother of our Creator, pray for us. Mother of our Savior, pray for us. Virgin most prudent, pray for us. Virgin most venerable, pray for us. Virgin most renowned, pray for us. Virgin most powerful, pray for us. Virgin most merciful, pray for us. Virgin most faithful, pray for us. Mirror of justice, pray for us. Seat of wisdom, pray for us. Cause of our joy, pray for us. Spiritual vessel, pray for us. Vessel of honor, pray for us. Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us. Mystical rose, pray for us. Tower of David, pray for us. Tower of ivory, pray for us. House of gold, pray for us. Ark of the Covenant, pray for us. Gate of Heaven, pray for us. Morning star, pray for us. Health of the sick, pray for us. Refuge of sinners, pray for us. Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us. Help of Christians, pray for us. Queen of angels, pray for us. Queen of patriarchs, pray for us. Queen of prophets, pray for us. Queen of apostles, pray for us. Queen of martyrs, pray for us. Queen of confessors, pray for us. Queen of virgins, pray for us. Queen of all saints, pray for us. Queen conceived without Original Sin, pray for us. Queen assumed into Heaven, pray for us. Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us. Queen of peace, pray for us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we Thy Servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enjoy eternal happiness. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

What is the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary?

This litany was formally approved by Pope Sixtus V in 1587 for public use at the shrine of Loreto, Italy, from which it gets its common name. While its structure was standardized then, many of its titles for Mary are much older, appearing in sermons and devotional writings from the early Church. Over the centuries, popes have added new titles, such as "Queen of the most holy Rosary" by Pope Leo XIII and, more recently, "Mother of Mercy" by Pope Francis.

What does the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary mean?

The litany's many titles honor Mary's unique role in salvation history and her virtues as the first and most perfect disciple. Each invocation, from "Mother of Christ" to "Gate of Heaven," is a short meditation on a facet of her relationship with God and the Church. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, her maternal role extends to all members of the Church, making her a powerful intercessor and spiritual mother (CCC 969).

When Do Catholics Pray the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary?

The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the few approved for public liturgical use. It is traditionally recited at the end of the Rosary, during May devotions, and on major Marian feast days like the Assumption (August 15) and the Immaculate Conception (December 8). It is also fitting to pray it in times of great need, asking for the Blessed Mother's powerful intercession for personal intentions or for the whole Church.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prayer history and FAQs are drafted with AI assistance and edited before publishing. How we source our prayers

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