Litanies
Ancient prayers of petition and praise. Litanies are responsive prayers in which we call upon God, Our Lady, or the saints, receiving a repeated response that unites our voices in supplication.
Litanies
Prayers ofPetition
A litany is a form of prayer consisting of a series of petitions or invocations, each followed by a fixed response. The word comes from the Greek litaneia, meaning supplication or prayer. This ancient form of prayer has been part of Christian worship since the earliest centuries of the Church.
The repetitive nature of litanies creates a meditative rhythm that draws the heart into deeper prayer. As we invoke the many titles of Our Lord, Our Lady, or the saints, we contemplate the manifold ways God has revealed Himself and worked through His servants.
Whether prayed privately or in community, litanies unite our voices with the whole Church in a chorus of faith. They are particularly suited to times of need, when we wish to persist in prayer and entrust our intentions to God through the intercession of His saints.
At a Glance
Ancient Tradition
Litanies have been prayed since the early Church, forming part of our rich heritage of Catholic devotion.
Meditative Rhythm
The repetitive structure creates a prayerful cadence that draws the mind and heart into contemplation.
Communal Prayer
Perfectly suited for group prayer, litanies unite voices in a shared response of faith and petition.
Featured Content
LatestArticles
litany
Litany of the Posadas
The litany of Las Posadas is a traditional Catholic prayer service and song cycle re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. It is a key part of the Las Posadas celebration, a nine-day Mexican Christmas tradition leading up to Christmas Eve.
5 min read
litany
Litany of Loreto
The Litany of Loreto, also known as the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a traditional Marian litany invoking the intercession of Our Lady under her many titles.
litany
The Litany of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Litany of Our Lady of Mount Carmel reflects a theology focused on Mary's role as a powerful intercessor and model of Christian life, particularly within the Carmelite Order. It highlights her unique relationship with God, her virtues, and her ability to guide and protect believers. The litany invokes Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth, highlighting her elevated position and authority as a powerful intercessor with God.
Explore Topics
Our Collection of Litanies
Browse our collection of litanies below. Each litany offers a unique way to honour God, Our Lady, or the saints, drawing upon the rich imagery and titles by which they are known and loved.
We encourage you to make these litanies part of your regular prayer life, whether in times of particular need or as a daily devotion.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
M7
Matthew 7:7
Sacred Scripture