Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Litany of Loreto
The most beloved Marian litany, recited since the 16th century at the Holy House of Loreto. Approved for public recitation by Pope Sixtus V in 1587.
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.
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.
Closing Prayer
Grant, we beseech You, O Lord God, that we, Your servants, may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body; and by the intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sorrow, and obtain eternal joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
About This Litany
The Litany of Loreto takes its name from the Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto in Italy, where it has been recited since at least 1531. According to tradition, the Holy House—the home where Mary received the Annunciation—was miraculously transported to Loreto by angels.
The invocations reflect centuries of Marian devotion and theology. Each title captures a different aspect of Mary's role in salvation history: her purity, her motherhood, her queenship, and her intercessory power.
Pope Francis added three new invocations in 2020: "Mother of Mercy," "Mother of Hope," and "Solace of Migrants," reflecting the Church's ongoing reflection on Mary's significance.