The Litany Of Loreto

What The Litany Of Loreto Are

The Litany of Loreto is a traditional Marian prayer in the Catholic Church, consisting of a series of invocations addressed to the Virgin Mary. These litanies are especially used during the Rosary and other Marian devotions. Each invocation honors a title or quality of Mary, and the typical response to most invocations is “Pray for us.”

Why They Are Called The Litany Of Loreto

The Litany of Loreto is named after the town of Loreto, in Italy, where the Holy House is located. According to Christian tradition, this small structure is believed to be the birthplace of the Virgin Mary, miraculously transported from Nazareth. The prayer was officially approved by the Church in 1587 and has since been used throughout the Catholic world, earning the name “Lauretan Litany” or “Litany of Loreto.”

List Of The Litany Of Loreto

Here is the List of the Litany of Loreto with the response “Pray for us”:

    1. Holy Mary, pray for us.
    2. Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
    3. Holy Virgin of Virgins, pray for us.
    4. Mother of Christ, pray for us.
    5. Mother of the Church, pray for us.
    6. Mother of Divine Grace, pray for us.
    7. Mother Most Pure, pray for us.
    8. Mother Most Chaste, pray for us.
    9. Mother Inviolate, pray for us.
    10. Mother Undefiled, pray for us.
    11. Mother Most Amiable, pray for us.
    12. Mother Most Admirable, pray for us.
    13. Mother of Good Counsel, pray for us.
    14. Mother of Our Creator, pray for us.
    15. Mother of Our Savior, pray for us.
    16. Virgin Most Prudent, pray for us.
    17. Virgin Most Venerable, pray for us.
    18. Virgin Most Renowned, pray for us.
    19. Virgin Most Powerful, pray for us.
    20. Virgin Most Merciful, pray for us.
    21. Virgin Most Faithful, pray for us.
    22. Mirror of Justice, pray for us.
    23. Seat of Wisdom, pray for us.
    24. Cause of Our Joy, pray for us.
    25. Spiritual Vessel, pray for us.
    26. Vessel of Honor, pray for us.
    27. Singular Vessel of Devotion, pray for us.
    28. Mystical Rose, pray for us.
    29. Tower of David, pray for us.
    30. Tower of Ivory, pray for us.
    31. House of Gold, pray for us.
    32. Ark of the Covenant, pray for us.
    33. Gate of Heaven, pray for us.
    34. Morning Star, pray for us.
    35. Health of the Sick, pray for us.
    36. Refuge of Sinners, pray for us.
    37. Comforter of the Afflicted, pray for us.
    38. Help of Christians, pray for us.
    39. Queen of Angels, pray for us.
    40. Queen of Patriarchs, pray for us.
    41. Queen of Prophets, pray for us.
    42. Queen of Apostles, pray for us.
    43. Queen of Martyrs, pray for us.
    44. Queen of Confessors, pray for us.
    45. Queen of Virgins, pray for us.
    46. Queen of All Saints, pray for us.
    47. Queen Conceived Without Original Sin, pray for us.
    48. Queen Assumed into Heaven, pray for us.
    49. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us.
    50. Queen of Families, pray for us.
    51. Queen of Peace, pray for us.

Each invocation acknowledges the roles and titles attributed to Mary in Catholic tradition, and reciting the Litany of Loreto is a way to seek her intercession and protection.

What Litanies Are

Litanies are a form of liturgical prayer used in Christian tradition, in which a series of invocations or supplications is addressed to God, the Virgin Mary, or the saints, with each invocation followed by a repeated response, such as “Pray for us” or “Have mercy on us.” Litanies are often recited in groups, with a leader reciting the invocations and the rest of the congregation responding.

Why They Are Called Litanies

The term “litany” comes from the Greek word “litaneia,” meaning “supplication” or “intercessory prayer.” The name reflects the repetitive and pleading nature of this form of prayer, which is structured to ask for divine intercession on various aspects of spiritual and temporal life.

How Many And What Are The Litanies

Examples of Litanies

Here are some of the most common litanies in Catholic tradition:

  • Litany of Loreto: Addressed to the Virgin Mary, it includes a series of titles by which the Madonna is invoked.
  • Litany of the Saints: A prayer that invokes the intercession of a wide array of saints and blessed individuals.
  • Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Invocations that honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, symbolizing divine love for humanity.
  • Litany of the Most Precious Blood: Addressed to the Blood of Christ, recognized as a means of redemption.
  • Litany of Divine Mercy: Invocations of divine mercy through various forms and manifestations.
  • Litany of St. Joseph: A prayer in honor of St. Joseph, patron of the universal Church.
  • Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus: Invocations that exalt the Name of Jesus as a source of power and salvation.

Litanies are an important element of Catholic prayer, used to invoke protection, guidance, and intercession in various aspects of spiritual life.