Litany of the Mother of the Church
Origin
The title “Mother of the Church” (Latin: Mater Ecclesiae) was officially bestowed upon the Virgin Mary by Pope Paul VI during the Second Vatican Council in 1964. This designation acknowledges Mary’s maternal role toward the Church and all its members.
The origin of this title can be traced back to the 4th century, notably in the writings of Saint Ambrose of Milan. However, it wasn’t until 1944 that theologian Hugo Rahner rediscovered these references, bringing renewed attention to the concept.
In 1980, Pope John Paul II incorporated the title “Mother of the Church” into the Litany of Loreto, a revered Marian prayer that invokes various titles of the Virgin Mary.
This addition emphasizes the significance of Mary’s maternal care and intercession for the Church, reinforcing her role as a spiritual mother to all Christians.
Litany of the Mother of the Church
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.
We strive to provide the most complete and highest quality material we can for you, our readers. Although not perfect,
it is our desire and prayer that you benefit from our efforts.
Last Published: January 14, 2025