Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also called the Litany of Loreto, is a traditional Catholic prayer honouring the titles and virtues of Mary. It expresses deep devotion and trust in her maternal intercession. Prayed since the Middle Ages, it remains one of the most beautiful and widely used Marian litanies in the Church.

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

  • Origin:

First approved in 1587 by Pope Sixtus V and connected with the Holy House of Loreto, though older forms existed earlier.

  • Structure:

A series of invocations calling Mary by her biblical, doctrinal, and symbolic titles—such as Mother Most Pure, Seat of Wisdom, Health of the Sick, and Queen of Peace.

  • Purpose:

    • Honours Mary’s unique role in salvation history.

    • Helps the faithful reflect on her virtues and seek her intercession.

    • Often prayed after the Rosary or during Marian feast days.


  • Spiritual Value:

    • Encourages humility, trust, and closeness to Mary.

    • Invites the faithful to imitate her qualities.

    • Strengthens devotion and confidence in her guidance.


  • When to Pray:
    1. Marian Feast Days – Particularly on feasts dedicated to Mary, such as:

      • Immaculate Conception (Dec 8)

      • Assumption (Aug 15)

      • Our Lady of Lourdes (Feb 11)

      • Our Lady of Fatima (May 13)

    2. During the Month of May or October – These months are traditionally dedicated to Mary (May for devotion, October for the Rosary).

    3. Before or After the Rosary – It can serve as a preparation for or conclusion of praying the Rosary.

    4. During Personal or Communal Prayer – Anytime you want to seek Mary’s intercession, especially in times of need, illness, or important decisions.

    5. Liturgical Celebrations – Sometimes recited in processions, Marian novenas, or special parish devotions.

    6. Private Devotion – Many faithful pray it daily as a way to honor Mary and seek her guidance.

    The litany is flexible—it is not tied to a strict time or obligation, so you can pray it whenever you feel drawn to ask for Mary’s intercession.

Prayer:

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
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 Mercy, pray for us.
Mother of Divine Grace, pray for us.
Mother of Hope, pray for us.
Mother most pure, pray for us.
Mother most chaste, pray for us.
Mother inviolate, 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 Saviour, 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 honour, 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.
Solace of migrants, pray for us.
Comfort 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 You, O Lord God,
that we Your servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body;
and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin,
may we be delivered from present sorrow
and obtain eternal joy.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.