The Litany of Loreto, also known as the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a popular and traditional Marian litany in the Roman Catholic Church. Named after the Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto in Italy, where it was first popularized, this litany consists of a series of invocations and supplications to the Blessed Virgin Mary, highlighting her various titles and roles.

The Litany of Loreto (Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

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 Spirit, 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 the Church, 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 families, 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.

Let us pray: Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto us Thy servants, that we may rejoice in continual health of mind and body; and by the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness, and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Explanation

1. Invocation of the Trinity: The litany begins by invoking the mercy and presence of the Holy Trinity.
2. Titles of Mary: The bulk of the litany consists of numerous titles given to Mary, reflecting her roles, virtues, and the different ways she intercedes for the faithful. These titles range from "Holy Mother of God" to "Queen of Peace."
3. Petitions: The prayer petitions Mary to pray for us, reflecting the Catholic belief in the intercession of saints.
4. Lamb of God: This part mirrors the "Agnus Dei" in the Mass, asking for mercy from Christ.
5. Conclusion: The litany concludes with a specific prayer asking for health, both mental and physical, and the joy of eternal life through Mary's intercession.

Usage

• The Litany of Loreto is often recited during Marian feasts, in the context of the Rosary, and in other devotional practices dedicated to Mary.
• It is used in both public and private prayer settings as a way to honor Mary and seek her intercession.

Significance

• The Litany of Loreto emphasizes the many facets of Mary's role in the salvation history and in the lives of believers.
• It highlights the Catholic devotion to Mary, acknowledging her as a powerful intercessor and a model of virtue and holiness.
• The repetition of Mary's titles in the litany helps deepen the faithful's understanding and appreciation of her unique place in the Church.