THE LITANY OF THE SAINTS: A PRAYER OF COMMUNION, INTERCESSION, AND HOPE
The Litany of the Saints is one of the Church’s oldest and most profound prayers—a solemn invocation of the entire communion of saints, asking their intercession as we journey toward God. More than a list of holy names, the litany is a proclamation of our faith in the Resurrection, the bond between heaven and earth, and the power of prayer united with those who have gone before us.
A Brief History of the LitanyThe Litany of the Saints dates back to the early centuries of the Church, when Christians gathered in times of need—especially baptisms, ordinations, and processions—to call upon the saints. It developed into the rich form we know today, often prayed during the Easter Vigil, ordinations, and special solemn occasions, reminding us that we are never alone in the struggle of faith.
Why Pray the Litany?The litany reminds us that the saints—men and women from every age and walk of life—stand before God, interceding for us. By calling on them, we join our prayers to theirs, asking for strength, perseverance, and grace in our own journey.
How to Pray the LitanyThe Litany of the Saints is typically led by a priest or deacon, with the faithful responding. It begins with invocations of God’s mercy, continues with the names of saints, and concludes with petitions for deliverance and peace.
The Litany of the Saints
Lord, have mercy.—Lord, have mercy.Christ, have mercy.—Christ, have mercy.Lord, have mercy.—Lord, have mercy.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,—pray for us.Holy Michael,—pray for us.Holy Gabriel,—pray for us.Holy Raphael,—pray for us.Holy angels of God,—pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist,—pray for us.Saint Joseph,—pray for us.Saint Peter and Saint Paul,—pray for us.Saint Andrew,—pray for us.Saint John,—pray for us.Saint Mary Magdalene,—pray for us.
Saint Stephen,—pray for us.Saint Ignatius of Antioch,—pray for us.Saint Lawrence,—pray for us.Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity,—pray for us.Saint Agnes,—pray for us.
Saint Gregory,—pray for us.Saint Augustine,—pray for us.Saint Athanasius,—pray for us.Saint Basil,—pray for us.Saint Martin,—pray for us.
Saint Benedict,—pray for us.Saint Francis and Saint Dominic,—pray for us.Saint Francis Xavier,—pray for us.Saint John Vianney,—pray for us.
Saint Catherine of Siena,—pray for us.Saint Teresa of Jesus,—pray for us.
All holy men and women, Saints of God,—pray for us.
Lord, be merciful,—from all evil, deliver us, O Lord.From every sin,—deliver us, O Lord.From everlasting death,—deliver us, O Lord.
By your Incarnation,—deliver us, O Lord.By your Death and Resurrection,—deliver us, O Lord.By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit,—deliver us, O Lord.
Be merciful to us sinners,—Lord, hear our prayer.Guide and protect your holy Church,—Lord, hear our prayer.Keep the pope and all the clergy in faithful service to your Church,—Lord, hear our prayer.Bring all peoples together in trust and peace,—Lord, hear our prayer.Strengthen us in your service,—Lord, hear our prayer.Jesus, Son of the living God,—Lord, hear our prayer.
Christ, hear us.—Christ, hear us.Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.—Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.
Concluding Prayer
Lord, show us your mercy and love, for we put our trust in you.—And grant us your salvation.
We beseech you, O Lord, graciously hear the prayers of your people, that we, who rejoice in the intercession of your saints, may be supported by your constant help. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Final ThoughtThe Litany of the Saints is a hymn of hope—a reminder that the Church in heaven stands with us. In every need and at every moment, the saints pray for us, guiding us toward the fullness of life in God’s kingdom, where every tear will be wiped away and we will join their eternal song of praise.
A Brief History of the LitanyThe Litany of the Saints dates back to the early centuries of the Church, when Christians gathered in times of need—especially baptisms, ordinations, and processions—to call upon the saints. It developed into the rich form we know today, often prayed during the Easter Vigil, ordinations, and special solemn occasions, reminding us that we are never alone in the struggle of faith.
Why Pray the Litany?The litany reminds us that the saints—men and women from every age and walk of life—stand before God, interceding for us. By calling on them, we join our prayers to theirs, asking for strength, perseverance, and grace in our own journey.
How to Pray the LitanyThe Litany of the Saints is typically led by a priest or deacon, with the faithful responding. It begins with invocations of God’s mercy, continues with the names of saints, and concludes with petitions for deliverance and peace.
The Litany of the Saints
Lord, have mercy.—Lord, have mercy.Christ, have mercy.—Christ, have mercy.Lord, have mercy.—Lord, have mercy.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,—pray for us.Holy Michael,—pray for us.Holy Gabriel,—pray for us.Holy Raphael,—pray for us.Holy angels of God,—pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist,—pray for us.Saint Joseph,—pray for us.Saint Peter and Saint Paul,—pray for us.Saint Andrew,—pray for us.Saint John,—pray for us.Saint Mary Magdalene,—pray for us.
Saint Stephen,—pray for us.Saint Ignatius of Antioch,—pray for us.Saint Lawrence,—pray for us.Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity,—pray for us.Saint Agnes,—pray for us.
Saint Gregory,—pray for us.Saint Augustine,—pray for us.Saint Athanasius,—pray for us.Saint Basil,—pray for us.Saint Martin,—pray for us.
Saint Benedict,—pray for us.Saint Francis and Saint Dominic,—pray for us.Saint Francis Xavier,—pray for us.Saint John Vianney,—pray for us.
Saint Catherine of Siena,—pray for us.Saint Teresa of Jesus,—pray for us.
All holy men and women, Saints of God,—pray for us.
Lord, be merciful,—from all evil, deliver us, O Lord.From every sin,—deliver us, O Lord.From everlasting death,—deliver us, O Lord.
By your Incarnation,—deliver us, O Lord.By your Death and Resurrection,—deliver us, O Lord.By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit,—deliver us, O Lord.
Be merciful to us sinners,—Lord, hear our prayer.Guide and protect your holy Church,—Lord, hear our prayer.Keep the pope and all the clergy in faithful service to your Church,—Lord, hear our prayer.Bring all peoples together in trust and peace,—Lord, hear our prayer.Strengthen us in your service,—Lord, hear our prayer.Jesus, Son of the living God,—Lord, hear our prayer.
Christ, hear us.—Christ, hear us.Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.—Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.
Concluding Prayer
Lord, show us your mercy and love, for we put our trust in you.—And grant us your salvation.
We beseech you, O Lord, graciously hear the prayers of your people, that we, who rejoice in the intercession of your saints, may be supported by your constant help. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Final ThoughtThe Litany of the Saints is a hymn of hope—a reminder that the Church in heaven stands with us. In every need and at every moment, the saints pray for us, guiding us toward the fullness of life in God’s kingdom, where every tear will be wiped away and we will join their eternal song of praise.