Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Why this Litany is also referred to as The Litany of Loreto
The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly called the Litany of Loreto, is a revered prayer in the Catholic Church. Its name “Loreto” comes from the town of Loreto, Italy, where it was first recited publicly at the Shrine of the Holy House—a place deeply associated with Marian devotion. The Holy House is believed to be the home where the Virgin Mary lived in Nazareth and where the angel Gabriel announced that she would conceive Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).
This litany was officially approved for use by Pope Sixtus V in 1587, and since then, it has become a central prayer in Marian devotions worldwide. It is a series of invocations honoring Mary under her various titles, such as Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, and Morning Star. These titles reflect her unique role in salvation history and her intimate relationship with God and humanity.
Praying the Litany of Loreto is more than honoring Mary; it is a way for the faithful to meditate on her virtues, seek her intercession, and deepen their trust in her maternal care. Each title expresses a truth about her identity and role in God’s plan, reminding believers of her closeness to Christ and her powerful advocacy on their behalf.
In this litany, Mary is shown as a loving mother, a guiding star, and a queen who intercedes for her children. By calling upon her through these titles, Catholics are drawn closer to her Son, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of grace and salvation. Thus, the Litany of Loreto is a beautiful expression of faith, love, and hope in the Virgin Mary’s role as a spiritual mother and advocate.
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 (or undefiled), pray for us.
Mother Undefiled, pray for us.
Mother Most Amiable (or lovable), pray for us.
Mother Most Admirable (or worthy of admiration), 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 (or wise), pray for us.
Virgin Most Venerable (worthy of respect), 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.
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 be delivered from present sorrow and obtain eternal joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Last Published: January 14, 2025