Litaniae Lauretanae Litany of Loreto: R. Christe, Eleison. R. Christ, Have Mercy On Us
Litaniae Lauretanae Litany of Loreto: R. Christe, Eleison. R. Christ, Have Mercy On Us
Litaniae Lauretanae Litany of Loreto: R. Christe, Eleison. R. Christ, Have Mercy On Us
Contents BVM
Litany of Loreto
The Litany of Loreto is used to honor Mary, the Mother of God. The
Litany recalls Mary's unique role in our salvation history as the mother
of our Savior and invokes various titles for her as a way of honoring her
and reminding us of the role she has played. The Litany owes many of
its praises to the Greek Akathist Hymn, which was first translated into
Latin in Venice around the year 800. The other titles and praises
addressed to Mary are found extensively in the writings of the early
Church Fathers of the first six centuries.
Over time a number of titles for our Lady were removed and added to
the Litany. Originally the Litany had fifteen additional titles, such as
Our Lady of Humility, Mother of Mercy, Temple of the Spirit, Gate of
Redemption, and Queen of Disciples. Recent history has seen the
addition of five titles. The last four titles of the Litany which refer to
the the Immaculate Conception, the Assumption, the Rosary and Mary
as the Queen of Peace are of recent origin. The latest addition, Mother
of the Church, was added by John Paul II.
Most likely the Litany was composed in or around Paris between the
years 1150 and 1200. It gets its name from the Italian shrine (Loreto)
were it was adopted in 1558. Pope Sixtus V approved its use in public
worship in 1587. The Litany is used especially during May services, the
month traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is also used
at Benediction and some congregations use it in the Divine Office. The
Litany is approved for public use and carries a partial indulgence.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata Lamb of God, who takes away
mundi, the sins of the world,
R. parce nobis, Domine. R. spare us, O Lord.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata Lamb of God, who takes away
mundi, the sins of the world,
R. exaudi nos, Domine. R. graciously hear us, O Lord.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata Lamb of God, who takes away
mundi, the sins of the world,
R. miserere nobis. R. have mercy on us.
V. Ora pro nobis, Sancta Dei V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of
Genetrix, God,
R. Ut digni efficiamur R. That we may be made worthy
promissionibus Christi. of the promises of Christ.