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Litany of Humility
Litanies

Litany of Humility

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The Litany of Humility is a powerful prayer for the virtue of humility, asking Jesus to free us from the desire for worldly esteem and the fear of being forgotten. Attributed to Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val, it systematically dismantles pride to make room for God's grace. Ave Audio offers this litany for deep reflection.

Prayer Text

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me. From the desire of being esteemed, deliver me, O Jesus. From the desire of being loved, deliver me, O Jesus. From the desire of being extolled, deliver me, O Jesus. From the desire of being honored, deliver me, O Jesus. From the desire of being praised, deliver me, O Jesus. From the desire of being preferred to others, deliver me, O Jesus. From the desire of being consulted, deliver me, O Jesus. From the desire of being approved, deliver me, O Jesus. From the fear of being humiliated, deliver me, O Jesus. From the fear of being despised, deliver me, O Jesus. From the fear of suffering rebukes, deliver me, O Jesus. From the fear of being calumniated, deliver me, O Jesus. From the fear of being forgotten, deliver me, O Jesus. From the fear of being ridiculed, deliver me, O Jesus. From the fear of being wronged, deliver me, O Jesus. From the fear of being suspected, deliver me, O Jesus. That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others may be praised and I go unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. Amen.

What is the Litany of Humility?

This litany was composed by Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val (1865-1930), the Secretary of State for Pope Saint Pius X. He reportedly prayed it daily after celebrating Mass. While a private devotion and not part of the Church's official liturgy like the Roman Missal, its spiritual wisdom is profound. It reflects a deep understanding of the human heart's struggle against pride, which the Catechism of the Catholic Church identifies as a capital sin (CCC 1866).

What does the Litany of Humility mean?

The Litany of Humility is a spiritual exercise in detachment. It helps the soul conform to Christ, who "emptied himself" (Philippians 2:7). By asking for deliverance from desires for honor and fears of humiliation, the prayer reorients the heart toward God alone. It recognizes that true worth comes not from worldly approval but from God. Humility is the foundation of prayer and a necessary condition for receiving God's grace, as the Catechism teaches (CCC 2559).

When Do Catholics Pray the Litany of Humility?

This litany is ideal for private devotion, especially when struggling with pride, envy, or sensitivity to criticism. It is a potent tool for a daily examination of conscience or in preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. While it can be prayed anytime, its themes of self-denial and conversion make it particularly fitting during the season of Lent. It helps cultivate the interior disposition needed for authentic spiritual growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

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