Litany of the Most Holy Name of Mary
The Litany for the Divine Mercy is a prayer of trust in the boundless mercy of Jesus Christ. Through its petitions, the faithful call upon the mercy that flows from His life, Passion, death, and Resurrection, asking Him to forgive sinners, heal wounded souls, and draw all people closer to His Sacred Heart. This litany may be prayed for personal needs, for the conversion of sinners, and for the salvation of the whole world.
What Is the Litany of the Holy Name of Mary?
The Litany of the Holy Name of Mary is a Catholic prayer that honors the Blessed Virgin Mary by calling upon her holy name and recalling the gifts God gave her. Through a series of short invocations, the faithful praise Mary as the Mother of God, the ever-Virgin, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and the loving Mother of Christ’s followers.
Like other litanies, the prayer is formed by repeated petitions and responses. Each invocation draws attention to a different truth about Mary’s life, virtues, and part in God’s plan of salvation. The repetition is meant to quiet the heart and help the person praying reflect more deeply upon the grace God poured into the Mother of His Son.
The litany also asks for Mary’s prayers and motherly aid. By invoking her holy name, Catholics place themselves under the care of the woman whom Jesus gave as a mother to His disciples. Her name brings the faithful close to her, while she always directs their hearts toward Jesus Christ, the source of every grace and the Savior of mankind.
Litany of the Holy Name of Mary — Full Prayer
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Son of Mary, hear us.
Son of Mary, graciously hear us.
Heavenly Father, of whom Mary is the Daughter, have mercy on us.
Eternal Word, of whom Mary is the Mother, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit, of whom Mary is the Spouse, have mercy on us.
Divine Trinity, of whom Mary is the Handmaid, have mercy on us.
Mary, Mother of the Living God, pray for us.
Mary, daughter of the Light Eternal, pray for us.
Mary, our light, pray for us.
Mary, our sister, pray for us.
Mary, flower of Jesse, pray for us.
Mary, issue of kings, pray for us.
Mary, chief work of God, pray for us.
Mary, the beloved of God, pray for us.
Mary, Immaculate Virgin, pray for us.
Mary, all fair, pray for us.
Mary, light in darkness, pray for us.
Mary, our sure rest, pray for us.
Mary, house of God, pray for us.
Mary, sanctuary of the Lord, pray for us.
Mary, altar of the Divinity, pray for us.
Mary, Virgin Mother, pray for us.
Mary, embracing your Infant God, pray for us.
Mary, reposing with Eternal Wisdom, pray for us.
Mary, ocean of bitterness, pray for us.
Mary, Star of the Sea, pray for us.
Mary, suffering with your only Son, pray for us.
Mary, pierced with a sword of sorrow, pray for us.
Mary, torn with a cruel wound, pray for us.
Mary, sorrowful even unto death, pray for us.
Mary, bereft of all consolation, pray for us.
Mary, submissive to the law of God, pray for us.
Mary, standing by the Cross of Jesus, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady, pray for us.
Mary, Our Queen, pray for us.
Mary, Queen of glory, pray for us.
Mary, glory of the Church Triumphant, pray for us.
Mary, Blessed Queen, pray for us.
Mary, advocate of the Church Militant, pray for us.
Mary, Queen of Mercy, pray for us.
Mary, consoler of the Church Suffering, pray for us.
Mary, exalted above the angels, pray for us.
Mary, crowned with twelve stars, pray for us.
Mary, fair as the moon, pray for us.
Mary, bright as the sun, pray for us.
Mary, distinguished above all, pray for us.
Mary, seated at the right hand of Jesus, pray for us.
Mary, our hope, pray for us.
Mary, our sweetness, pray for us.
Mary, glory of Jerusalem, pray for us.
Mary, joy of Israel, pray for us.
Mary, honor of our people, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of Loreto, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of Czestochowa, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of Dolors, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of La Trappe, pray for us.
Mary, Our Lady of Divine Providence, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord Jesus.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord Jesus.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord Jesus.
- I will declare your name unto my brethren.
- R. I will praise you in the assembly of the faithful.
Let us pray.
O Almighty God, who beholds Your servants earnestly desiring to place themselves under the shadow of the name and protection of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, grant, we beseech You, that by her charitable intercession, we may be delivered from all evil on earth, and may arrive at everlasting joys in Heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
How to Pray the Litany of the Holy Name of Mary
The Litany of the Holy Name of Mary may be prayed alone, with a family, or in a parish prayer group. Before beginning, the faithful may make the Sign of the Cross, quiet their thoughts, and offer the prayer for a personal need, the needs of the Church, the conversion of sinners, or another special intention.
When the litany is prayed in a group, one person reads each invocation and the others give the response printed in the prayer. When it is prayed privately, the person praying reads both the invocation and the response. The words should be spoken slowly and with attention, allowing each title and petition to lead the heart toward Mary and, through her, toward Jesus Christ.
The repeated responses are not meant to be rushed. They create a steady rhythm of prayer and help the faithful place their needs under Mary’s motherly care. The litany ends with its final petitions and closing prayer, which should be prayed with trust in God and gratitude for the Blessed Virgin’s intercession.
Meaning of the Litany of the Holy Name of Mary
The Litany of the Holy Name of Mary reflects upon who the Blessed Virgin is, what God accomplished through her, and how she continues to serve the members of Christ’s Church through her prayers. Each invocation presents a truth about Mary’s life, her virtues, or her place in the mystery of salvation. The repeated response, “Pray for us,” asks her to carry the needs of the faithful before her divine Son.
The prayer moves from God, who is the source of every grace, to Mary, who received His grace with perfect faith and obedience. It honors her holy name because that name belongs to the woman chosen to become the Mother of Jesus Christ. By calling upon Mary, the faithful seek the prayers of a loving mother who always leads her children toward her Son.
Opening Invocations to the Holy Trinity
The litany begins by asking for mercy from the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This opening places the entire prayer before the one true God in three divine Persons. God alone is worshiped as the Creator, Redeemer, and giver of every grace.
These opening petitions also prepare the heart for everything that follows. Catholics do not ask Mary to replace God or to grant grace by her own power. They ask her to pray for them before God. The difference is shown in the responses themselves: the faithful ask God to “have mercy on us,” while they ask Mary to “pray for us.”
Beginning with the Holy Trinity reminds the person praying that Mary’s beauty, holiness, and dignity all come from God. She is honored because the Father chose her, the Son took His human nature from her, and the Holy Spirit filled her with grace.
Mary’s Holy Name and Her Place in God’s Plan
Mary’s name is holy because it belongs to the woman whom God chose to become the Mother of His Son. Her name recalls the Annunciation, when the Archangel Gabriel greeted her as “full of grace” and announced that she would conceive Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
By answering, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word,” Mary accepted the part God had prepared for her. Her consent was free, humble, and filled with faith. Through her obedience, the Eternal Word took flesh and entered human history.
Invoking Mary’s name recalls her faithful “yes” to God. Her name brings to mind a life wholly given to the Lord, from the Annunciation to Bethlehem, from Nazareth to Calvary, and from the Resurrection to the prayer of the early Church. The faithful call upon her name with love because it is closely joined to the saving mission of Jesus Christ.
Mary as Mother, Virgin, and Dwelling Place of God
he litany honors Mary first as a mother. She is the Mother of Jesus Christ, who is true God and true man. For this reason, the Church rightly calls her the Mother of God. This title does not mean that Mary existed before God. It declares the truth that the Child she conceived and bore is the eternal Son of God made man.
Mary is also honored as the ever-Virgin. Her virginity shows that the birth of Christ was the work of God and that her whole life belonged to Him without reserve. She received Jesus through faith before she carried Him in her womb, and she remained faithful to Him throughout her life.
The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, and the Son of God dwelt within her. She became a living dwelling place of the Lord and is often compared to the Ark of the Covenant, which carried the signs of God’s presence among His people. Mary carried not a symbol, but Jesus Christ Himself. Every title given to her in the litany draws its meaning from this close bond with her Son.
Mary at the Cross and Mother of the Faithful
Mary remained with Jesus during His Passion and stood near the Cross while He offered His life for the salvation of mankind. She could not take away His suffering, yet she united her sorrow to His sacrifice with the same faith and obedience she had shown at the Annunciation.
From the Cross, Jesus said to Mary, “Woman, behold thy son,” and to the beloved disciple, “Behold thy mother.” The Church has long seen in these words a gift given to all Christ’s disciples. Jesus entrusted His followers to Mary’s motherly care and gave Mary to them as a spiritual mother.
Mary’s motherhood of the faithful always serves the work of Christ. She prays for her children, encourages them to remain faithful, and directs them to obey her Son. Her words at the wedding feast of Cana still express her motherly mission: “Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.”
When the litany calls upon Mary as Mother of the faithful, it invites each person to receive this gift from Christ. The Christian does not stand alone beneath the Cross. Christ gives His own Mother to help His disciples remain close to Him.
Mary as Hope, Refuge, and Help of Christians
Mary is called the hope, refuge, and help of Christians because she prays for the members of Christ’s Church with a mother’s love. These titles do not place her above Jesus or make her the source of salvation. Jesus alone is the Savior, and every grace comes through His death and Resurrection.
Mary gives hope because her life shows what God’s grace can accomplish in a person who trusts Him without reserve. She followed God through uncertainty, sorrow, exile, hidden years, and the anguish of Calvary. Her faith assures struggling Christians that God remains faithful even when His plan is difficult to understand.
She is called a refuge because sinners may turn to her and ask her prayers as they seek pardon and a new life in Christ. A good mother does not excuse sin, but helps her child return to what is right. Mary receives the sinner with compassion and directs that soul toward the mercy of her Son.
She is also the Help of Christians because she prays for the Church in times of trial. Catholics invoke her aid during temptation, illness, family trouble, fear, grief, and spiritual dryness. Her help always has one purpose: to bring the faithful closer to Jesus and strengthen them in obedience to His will.
Final Petitions and Closing Prayer
The final petitions gather together the desires expressed throughout the litany. After honoring Mary under many titles, the faithful ask for her continued prayers and place their needs before God with trust. These petitions may be offered for personal intentions, for loved ones, for the Church, for sinners, or for those who are suffering.
The closing prayer turns directly to God, acknowledging that He chose Mary and filled her with grace for the sake of His Son’s saving mission. It asks that those who honor her holy name may receive help through her intercession and grow in faithfulness to Christ.
This ending keeps the prayer in its proper order. Mary is honored, her prayers are requested, and every need is finally entrusted to God. The litany closes with confidence that the Lord hears the prayers of His people and that the Mother of Jesus prays with them and for them.
Why Catholics Honor and Invoke the Most Holy Name of Mary
Catholics honor the Most Holy Name of Mary because it belongs to the woman whom God chose to become the Mother of Jesus Christ. Her name recalls her faith, purity, humility, and complete obedience to God. When the Archangel Gabriel announced that she would bear the Son of God, Mary answered, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38).
Honor given to Mary is not the worship owed to God alone. Catholics worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Mary is honored as the greatest of the saints because of God’s grace at work within her and because of her close union with Jesus. As she declared in the Magnificat, “From henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:48).
To invoke Mary’s name means to call upon her and ask for her prayers. Catholics believe that the saints in heaven remain living members of Christ’s Church and continue to pray for those still making their earthly pilgrimage. When the faithful say, “Mary, pray for us,” they are asking her to bring their needs before Jesus, just as Christians ask one another for prayer.
Mary’s intercession is shown at the wedding feast of Cana. She noticed the needs of the wedding family and brought the matter to Jesus. Her words to the servants, “Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye” (John 2:5), reveal the purpose of her motherly care. Mary does not draw souls away from Christ. She leads them to trust Him, obey Him, and receive His grace.
The name of Mary also brings comfort during temptation, sorrow, illness, fear, and spiritual trial. Calling upon her name reminds the faithful that Christ gave His Mother to His disciples when He said from the Cross, “Behold thy mother” (John 19:27). Catholics therefore invoke her with the confidence of children seeking the prayers of a loving mother.
Every true devotion to Mary leads back to Jesus. Her name is honored because of what God has done in her, and her help is sought because she continues to pray for the members of Christ’s Body. Through the Litany of the Holy Name of Mary, the faithful praise God for His gifts to the Blessed Virgin and ask her to help them remain faithful to her divine Son.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Litany of the Holy Name of Mary?
The Litany of the Holy Name of Mary is a Catholic devotional prayer that honors the Blessed Virgin through a series of titles and petitions. It praises God for the grace given to Mary, recalls her place in the saving work of Christ, and repeatedly asks her to “pray for us.” The litany may be prayed privately, with a family, or in a group.
What Does the Name Mary Mean?
The name Mary comes from the Hebrew name Miryam. Its exact ancient meaning is uncertain, though Christian tradition has connected it with such meanings as “beloved,” “lady,” and “star of the sea.” The Church’s devotion does not depend upon one meaning alone. The name is cherished because it belongs to the woman chosen by God to become the Mother of Jesus Christ.
Why Is the Name of Mary Called Holy?
Mary’s name is called holy because it belongs to the Mother of God, who was filled with grace and gave herself completely to the Lord’s will. Her name recalls her faith, purity, humility, and obedience. Catholics honor her name because of the great things God accomplished in her and through her, while recognizing that all of Mary’s holiness comes from God.
Why Do Catholics Invoke the Holy Name of Mary?
To invoke Mary’s name means to call upon her and ask for her prayers. Catholics believe that Mary remains united with Christ and continues to care for the members of His Church. By calling upon her holy name, the faithful entrust their needs to her motherly intercession and ask her to lead them closer to Jesus.
Is Invoking Mary’s Name the Same as Worshiping Mary?
No. Catholics worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit alone. Mary receives honor and veneration because she is the Mother of Jesus and the greatest of the saints. When Catholics invoke her name, they are asking for her prayers, not treating her as God. Every true Marian devotion leads through Christ, in the Holy Spirit, to the Father.
When Is the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary?
The Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary is observed on September 12. In the Roman calendar, it is celebrated as an optional memorial. The feast honors the name of the Mother of God and recalls the grace, privileges, and motherly care associated with the woman who gave Jesus Christ His human nature.
How Often Should This Litany Be Prayed?
There is no required number of times that the Litany of the Holy Name of Mary must be prayed. It may be offered whenever the faithful wish to honor the Blessed Virgin or seek her prayers. It is especially fitting during September, on September 12, on Saturdays, during Marian months, or in times of temptation, fear, sorrow, and spiritual need.
Is This an Official Liturgical Litany?
The Litany of the Holy Name of Mary is a traditional devotional prayer rather than a text appointed for universal use in the Mass or the Liturgy of the Hours. It may be prayed privately or during suitable acts of Catholic devotion. The Litany of Loreto remains the best-known Marian litany formally recognized and used throughout the Church.
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Charles Rogers is a resident of South Carolina and a retired computer programmer by trade. Raised in various Christian denominations, he came to faith in Jesus Christ early in life. In 2012, he began experiencing authentic spiritual encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary, which led him on a seven-year journey at her hands, that included alcohol addiction, a widow maker heart attack and death and conversion to the Catholic Faith. He is the exclusive author and owner of Two Percent Survival, a website dedicated to and created in honor of the Holy Mother. Feel free to email Charles at twopercentsurvival@gmail.com.
May Our Lady of the Rosary lead you deeper into the grace you have been given. Pray always, and trust the mercy of God while the door remains open.
— Two Percent Survival