The litany of the sacred heart of Jesus is a moving way to express devotion to Our Lord by making reparation through adoration for the offenses committed against His Sacred Heart. Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, a 17th century nun, made devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus best known after He revealed His desire to her in visions that we all acknowledge His tremendous love for us.
The symbolic image of Christ’s heart burning with love for us, even while pierced with the thorns of our indifference and ingratitude, as in the painting above, is also associated with this devotion.
Faithful Catholics around the world show Jesus their love in prayers such as the Litany of the Sacred Heart. Many also visit Him in the Blessed Sacrament in this devotion and receive Communion at Mass on the First Friday of each month in a spirit of reparation for the hostility and indifference he suffers from unrepentant sinners.
The Litany of the Sacred Heart is one of six litanies approved for public use by the Church and is often prayed during First Friday services. When prayed publicly, the congregation’s lines are in italics.

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.
(Repeat have mercy on us. after each line)
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father,
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in
the Virgin Mother's womb,
Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the
Word of God,
Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty,
Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God,
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High,
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven,
Heart of Jesus, glowing furnace of charity,
Heart of Jesus, vessel of justice and love,
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love,
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues,
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise,
Heart of Jesus, King and center of all hearts,
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures
of wisdom and knowledge,
Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead,
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased,
Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received,
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills,
Heart of Jesus, patient and rich in mercy,
Heart of Jesus, rich to all who call upon You,
Heart of Jesus, fount of life and holiness,
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our offenses,
Heart of Jesus, overwhelmed with reproaches,
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our iniquities,
Heart of Jesus, obedient even unto death,
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance,
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation,
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection,
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation,
Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins,
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who hope in You,
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in You,
Heart of Jesus, delight of all saints,
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, meek and humble of Heart,
Make our hearts like unto Thine.

Let us pray.
Almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Thy most beloved Son and upon the praises and satisfaction which He offers Thee in the name of sinners; and to those who implore Thy mercy, in Thy great goodness, grant forgiveness in the name of the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who livest and reignest with Thee forever and ever. Amen.

The Litany of the Sacred Heart gives us many striking images of our Lord and His love for us. Christ’s heart is a “burning furnace of charity” “bruised for our iniquities” and yet still the source of “our life and resurrection” if we love and follow Him as best we can in our daily lives.
For those days that you feel anything but holy, incidentally, Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque had this advice: "If you feel yourself frail and weak, lapsing into faults at every moment, go to the Sacred Heart and draw from it the strength which will invigorate and revive you." Praying the Litany of the Sacred Heart, whether publicly or in private, can help you tap into our Lord's "source of all consolation," His Sacred Heart!

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This litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus brings to mind the words of St. Paul: “whatever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col 3:17). This tribute of supplication to our Lord is thought to have been composed by two 15th century champions of devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, St. Bernardine of Siena and his student St. John of Capistrano. It gives us a good opportunity to meditate on both our Lord’s attributes and His life, while asking Him for heavenly guidance and assistance.

The litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus received the Church’s approval for private use by Pope Sixtus V in 1585, and public recitation by Pope Leo XIII in 1886. (It is one of only six litanies approved for public use.) The Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd.

When this litany is prayed publicly, the congregation’s responses to a leader appear in italics below.

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us (after each line)
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Jesus, Son of the living God,
Jesus, splendor of the Father,
Jesus, brightness of eternal light,
Jesus, King of glory,
Jesus, sun of justice,
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary,
Jesus, most amiable,
Jesus, most admirable,
Jesus, the mighty God,
Jesus, father of the world to come,
Jesus, Angel of great counsel,
Jesus, most powerful,
Jesus, most patient,
Jesus, most obedient,
Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
Jesus, lover of chastity,
Jesus, lover of us,
Jesus, God of peace,
Jesus, author of life,
Jesus, example of virtues,
Jesus, zealous lover of souls,
Jesus, our God,
Jesus, our refuge,
Jesus, father of the poor,
Jesus, treasure of the faithful,
Jesus, good Shepherd,
Jesus, true light,
Jesus, eternal wisdom,
Jesus, infinite goodness,
Jesus, our way and our life,
Jesus, joy of Angels,
Jesus, King of Patriarchs,
Jesus, Master of the Apostles,
Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists,
Jesus, strength of Martyrs,
Jesus, light of Confessors,
Jesus, purity of Virgins,
Jesus, crown of all Saints,
Be merciful, spare us, O Jesus.
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Jesus.
From all evil, deliver us, O Jesus. (after each line)
From all sin,
From Thy wrath,
From the snares of the devil,
From the spirit of fornication,
From everlasting death,
From the neglect of Thine inspirations,
By the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation,
By Thy Nativity,
By Thine Infancy,
By Thy most divine Life,
By Thy labors,
By Thine agony and Passion,
By Thy Cross and dereliction,
By Thy sufferings,
By Thy Resurrection,
By Thine Ascension,
By Thine institution of the most Holy Eucharist,
By Thy joys,
By Thy glory,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Hear us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us, O Jesus.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.


Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast said: Ask and ye shall receive, seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you; mercifully attend to our supplications, and grant us the gift of Thy divine charity, that we may ever love Thee with our whole heart and with all our words and deeds, and may never cease from praising Thee.

Make us, O Lord, to have a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy Name, for Thou never failest to help and govern those whom Thou dost bring up in Thy steadfast fear and love; who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.

It is important to point out that the fear that that the Holy Name of Jesus should inspire in us is not a cringing, loathing kind of fear, but rather one of reverence and respect, as children should have for their parents.

Speaking of parents, the words our Blessed Mother said of the God the Father in the Magnificat can apply to her Son as well: “His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him.” (Luke 1:50)

We should fear God’s justice and trust in His mercy as well by asking Him for pardon for our sins in prayers such as this litany, in the Sacrament of the Eucharist (Mass), and, most importantly, in the Sacrament of Penance (Confession).

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The litany of St. Joseph, one of only six approved by the Church for public as well as private use, sums up qualities that made him such an important part of the Holy Family.

Although he does not appear much in scripture, this “just man” (as he is called in Matthew 1:19), a humble carpenter, served our Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary faithfully as His “foster-father” and her “chaste guardian,” as he is called below.

In referring to St. Joseph as a “diligent protector” of Christ, this litany brings to mind his important role in taking Mary and the infant child Jesus to Egypt to protect our Lord from being killed by King Herod (Matt 3:13-16).

The Litany of St. Joseph, in referring to him as a “patron of the dying” gives one of many examples of his patronage. The faithful ask for his assistance for workers, home buyers (and sellers) and, of course, carpenters, among many others!

When this litany is prayed in public, the congregation responds to a leader with the words in italics.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
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.
Holy Mary, pray for us (after each line)
Saint Joseph,
Renowned offspring of David,
Light of Patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,
Foster-father of the Son of God,
Diligent protector of Christ,
Head of the Holy Family,
Joseph most just,
Joseph most chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most strong,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of artisans,
Glory of home life,
Guardian of virgins,
Pillar of families,
Solace of the wretched, Hope of the sick,
Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of Holy Church,

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

V. He made him the lord of His house:
R. And ruler of all His substance.

Let us pray.
O God, who in Thine unspeakable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thine own most holy Mother: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may deserve to have him for our intercessor in heaven, whom we reverence as our defender on earth: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

St. Theresa of Avila once suggested famously that although we may have access to many saints as intercessors for our various needs, we should “go especially to Joseph, for he has great power with God.” In praying this litany of St. Joseph we are indeed going to the patron saint and “protector” of the Universal Church!

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The Litany of The Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Litany of Loreto, is a popular prayer of supplication, once prayed in processions to atone for sins and to prevent calamities.

Pilgrims at the famous Marian Shrine in Loreto, Italy used it in the 16th century, and it was approved in 1587 by Pope Sixtus V. Although it is often prayed privately, especially after the rosary, the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary has the distinction of being one of only six litanies approved for public recitation by the Holy See.

Its invocations to our Blessed Mother include titles given to her by the early Church Fathers in the first few centuries of Christianity. The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary has also been set to music (as the Litany of Loreto) by such celebrated composers as Palestrina, Charpentier, and Mozart. The congregation’s responses to a leader in public recitations appear in italics below.

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 Ghost,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us. (repeat at end of each phrase.)
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of divine grace,
Mother most pure,
Mother most chaste,
Mother inviolate,
Mother undefiled,
Mother most amiable,
Mother most admirable,
Mother of good counsel,
Mother of our Creator,
Mother of our Savior,
Virgin most prudent,
Virgin most venerable,
Virgin most renowned,
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most merciful,
Virgin most faithful,
Mirror of justice,
Seat of wisdom,
Cause of our joy,
Spiritual vessel,
Vessel of honor,
Singular vessel of devotion,
Mystical rose,
Tower of David,
Tower of ivory,
House of gold,
Ark of the covenant,
Gate of Heaven,
Morning star,
Health of the sick,
Refuge of sinners,
Comforter of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of angels,
Queen of patriarchs,
Queen of prophets,
Queen of apostles,
Queen of martyrs,
Queen of confessors,
Queen of virgins,
Queen of all saints,
Queen conceived without original sin,
Queen assumed into heaven,
Queen of the most holy Rosary,
Queen of peace.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:
Grant, O Lord God, we beseech Thee, that we Thy servants may rejoice in continual health of mind and body; and, through the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, may be freed from present sorrow, and enjoy eternal gladness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

It is good, and comforting to remember when praying the Litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary, that, as St. Bernard once put it “Mary has made herself all to all, and opens her merciful heart to all, that all may receive of her fullness: the sick, health; those in affliction, comfort; the sinner, pardon, and God, glory.”  



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 Prayers of the Rosary

Sign Of The Cross In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

The Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting, Amen.

Say an Our Father and three Hail Marys for an increase in the Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity Then begin the First Mystery through the Fifth with one Our Father and Ten Hail Marys.

The Our Father Our Father, who art in Heaven; hallowed by Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen

The Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen

After each decade say the Glory Be and the following prayer requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy."

The Glory Be Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.

O My Jesus O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of your Mercy. Amen.

• The 5 Joyful Mysteries (Said on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
  • The Annunciation: The Angel Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus.
  • The Visitation: Mary greets Elizabeth and the babe (St. John the Baptist) jumps for joy in her womb.
  • The Nativity: Jesus is born in the manger.
  • The Presentation: Joseph and Mary present Jesus at the altar.
  • The Finding of the Child Jesus: Joseph and Mary find Jesus in the Temple thee days after losing Him.
• The 5 Sorrowful Mysteries (Said on Tuesdays and Fridays)
  • The Agony in the Garden: Jesus contemplates the sins of the world.
  • The Scourging: Jesus is scourged by the Roman soldiers.
  • The Crowning of thorns: A crown of thorns is placed on the head of Jesus.
  • The carrying of the Cross: Jesus carries the Cross up Mount Calvary.
  • The crucifixion: Jesus is nailed to the Cross where He hangs until He dies.
• The 5 Glorious Mysteries (Said on Wednesdays and Sundays)
  • The Resurection: Jesus rises from the dead.
  • The Ascension: Jesus ascends into Heaven where He is seated at the right hand of the Father.
  • The Descent of the Holy Ghost: The Holy Ghost descends upon Mary and the Apostles.
  • The Assumption of Our Lady: Mary is gloriously assumed body and soul into Heaven.
  • The Coronation of Our Lady: Mary is gloriously crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Prayers after the Five Mysteries: HAIL, HOLY QUEEN, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O GOD, who’s only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. 

In Thanksgiving to Our Mother on this her day


Prayer Found Under Christ's Sepulchre 1503 Ad

O God Almighty, who suffered death upon the cross, particularly for my sins, be with me.
Holy Cross of Jesus, have pity on me.
Holy Cross of Jesus, be my protector.
Holy Cross of Jesus, take away all bitter pains.
Holy Cross of Jesus, take away all evil.
Holy Cross of Jesus, let me walk in the way of salvation.
Preserve me from any temporal accidents, take away any danger of sudden death.  I always adore the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ: 
 Jesus of Nazareth crucified, have pity on me; make the spirit of evil leave me for all times.
O Mother of Perpetual Succour. I come before Thy Sacred picture and with a child-like conscience invoke thine aid. Show Thyself a Mother to me now. Have pity of me. 
O, dearest Mother of Perpetual Succour, for the love Thou bearest to Jesus and in honour of His Sacred Wounds, help me in this my necessity..
Mention your intentions here...
O Loving Mother, I leave all to thee in the Name of the Father. 
I leave all to thee in the Name of the Son. 
I leave all to thee in the Name of the Holy Ghost. 
Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, pray for us.
Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, pray for us.
Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, pray for us.
Amen.      


Sent by the Pope to Charles when he went to fight the enemy in France. He who wants or hears someone else read it or carries on his person, will not die suddenly, drown, burn, be poisoned or lose battle or be taken prisoner. *During childbirth, a woman who reads or listens to someone else read the prayer, or carries it on her person will have a short labour. *When the child is born, place the prayer on his or her right side and it will be preserved from evil. When walking in the street and you find anyone in a fit, put the prayer on the right side and they will recover. He who writes this prayer whether for himself or another, I will bless him, says the Lord and he who ridicules it will perish.When this prayer is placed in a home, such a home will be preserved from lightning and thunder. He who reads it daily will be given a sign 3 days before his death.  

SINCE Jesus Christ desires to be loved unceasingly by man, He must show him unceasing love; and as God, in order overcome and conquer our hearts, had to become a man whom we could feel and touch, in order to make His conquest secure, He must continue to make man feel a sensible humanized love. The law of love is perpetual, and so also must be the grace of it. This sun of love must never set on the heart of man; if it does, a chill will settle on man's heart, and the coldness of death and of neglect will kill it. The human heart gives itself only to life and unites itself only to an actual love which is felt and which furnishes actual proofs of its reality.

Well all the love of the Saviour in His mortal life, His love as a child in the Crib, His zealous love as an apostle of His Father in His preaching, His love as a Victim on the Cross, all these loves are gathered together and are triumphant in His Heart, glorious and living in the Blessed Sacrament. That is where we should seek this Heart and nourish ourselves with its love. It is also in heaven, but for the angels and saints. It is in the Eucharist for us. Our devotion to the Sacred Heart must therefore be Eucharistic; it must concentrate in the divine Eucharist as in the only personal and living centre of the love and graces of the Sacred Heart for men.

Why separate the Heart of Jesus from His body and divinity? Is it not through His heart that He lives in the Blessed Sacrament, and that His body is alive and animated? Having risen from the dead Jesus dies no more; why separate His Heart from His Person and try to make Him die, so to speak, in our mind? No, no! This divine Heart is living and palpitating in the Eucharist, no longer of a passable and mortal life, subject to sadness, agony, and pain, but a life risen and consummated in blessedness. This impossibility to suffer and die diminishes in no way the reality of His life; on the contrary, it makes that life more perfect. God has never known death, and still He is the source of perfect and eternal life.

The Heart of Jesus therefore lives in the Eucharist, since His body is alive there. It is true that we can neither feel nor see that divine Heart, but things are pretty much the same for all men. This principle of life must be mysterious and veiled; to uncover it would kill it. We can conclude to its existence only from the effects it produces. A man does not ask to see the heart of a friend; one word is enough to tell him of its love. But how will the divine Heart of Jesus make itself known? It manifests itself to us by the sentiments with which it inspires us; that should suffice. Besides, who could contemplate the beauty and the goodness of this divine Heart? Who could stand the brightness of its glory, the consuming and devouring flames of this fire of love? Who would dare look at this divine Ark, on which is written its gospel of love in letters of fire; in which all its virtues are glorified; in which its love has its throne, and its goodness all its treasures? Who would want to penetrate into the very sanctuary of the Godhead? The Heart of Jesus! Why, it is the heaven of heavens, in which God Himself dwells and finds His delights!

No! We do not see the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus! But we possess it; it is ours!

Do you want to know what is its life? It is divided between the Father and us.

This Heart watches over us; while our Saviour, enclosed in the frail Host, seems wrapped in impotent sleep, His Heart remains awake. Ego dormio, et Cor meum vigilat. "I sleep, and My Heart watcheth." It watches over us whether we think of it or not; it knows no rest; it pleads with the Father to forgive us. Jesus shields us with His Heart and wards off the blows of the divine wrath provoked by our repeated offences. His Heart is there, as on the Cross, opened and letting flow upon our heads torrents of grace and love.

It is there to defend us against our enemies, just as a mother to save her child from danger presses it to her heart so that one can not strike the child unless he strike the mother first. “And even is a mother could forget her child,” Jesus tells us, “I will never forsake you.”

The other concern of the Heart of Jesus is for His Father. He adores His Father through His unspeakable humiliations, through His adoration of self-abasement; He praises Him and thanks Him for the blessings He bestows upon men, His brothers; He offers Himself as a Victim to the Justice of His Father; He prays incessantly for the Church, for sinners, and for all the souls He has redeemed.

O God the Father, look down with complacency on the Heart of thy Son Jesus! See His love, listen to His prayers, and may the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus be our salvation!

Continued......