Hey there,
If you’re like me, you may not give Litanies too much thought. We pray them at Mass, but they remain within the walls of the church.
Last week, we looked at all the titles of Our Lady in the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And that got me thinking.
And wanting to know more.
So this week’s issue of Genuflect brings Catholic Litanies out of Mass and into our private prayer life. We look at the history of Litanies, how to pray a Litany, the six approved public Litanies, how to write your own personal Litany, the Litany of Trust put to song, 237 Litanies to choose from, and more!
Hopefully this will encourage you to add Litanies to your private prayer time … like it has me!
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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History of Litanies
Litanies pre-date Catholicism when the Jews used the responsive pattern in public worship. Kyrie Eleison was likely one of the first Christian litanies and over time more and more were written until there were more than 80 in the 17th century … until Pope Clement VIII put his foot down.
Litanies: Prayers of Petition And Praise | Our Catholic Prayers
How to Pray a Litany
In a Litany we repeat responses to a series of petitions or prayers. In the Mass we pray one of the most popular ones, the Litany of the Saints. There are several other Litanies we pray in public, but there are many more available to pray in private. Here’s what you need to know to add Litanies to your private prayer time.
Learn About Litanies And How to Pray Them | Cora Evans
The 6 Public Litanies
There are six Litanies that the Catholic Church has approved for public prayer. But you can also pray them privately … and receive a partial indulgence. Here’s some background on all six of the public Litanies and when it may be most appropriate to pray each during the year.
The 6 Litanies Approved For Public Recitation | Fish Eaters
How to Write a Personal Litany
You’re not restricted to published Litanies. Why not write your own, personal Litany? Mary Grace Tillman tells you how and provides one of her own examples.
The Power of a Personal Litany (And How to Write One) | Blessed is She
Memorize the Litany of Loreto
The Litany of Loreto, aka the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has been prayed since the 16th century. You might consider adding it after praying the Rosary. There are 54 titles for Our Lady, which coincides perfectly with the Ave and Pater beads on the Rosary. Peter Darcy offers tips for how to memorize this beautiful Litany.
How to Memorize The Litany of Loreto | Peter Darcy Writing
The Litany of Trust in Song
Did you know that Litanies can also be sung? Enjoy this beautiful original presentation of the Litany of Trust by Sr. Caroline Caritas, SV.
Litany of Trust Song | Sisters of Life
Additions to The Litany of St. Joseph
Last May on the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, Pope Francis announced the addition of seven new invocations to the Litany of Saint Joseph. Here’s what’s been added.
Pope Adds 7 New Invocations to Litany of St. Joseph | Aleteia
A Litany For All Occasions
Here you’ll find a Litany for just about any occasion or for the intercession of any number of Saints. With 237 Litanies, you’ve got plenty to choose from!
A Treasure of 237 Litanies | Catholic Doors
Listen to Litanies
If you’d prefer to pray a Litany while listening along with someone else, you’re in luck! Fr. Gruber has recorded several Litanies on Apple Podcasts. Give it a listen.
Catholic Litanies on Apple Podcasts | Catholic Litanies
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