Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison.
Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.
Father from heaven, God, - have mercy on us.
Son, Redeemer of the world, God,
Holy Spirit, God,
Holy Trinity, One God,

Holy Mary, - pray for us.
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin over Virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of the Church,
Mother of mercy,
Mother of God's grace,
Mother of hope,
Mother of the undefiled,
Mother most pure,
Virgin Mother,
Mother intact,
Mother dearest,
Mother of wonder,
Mother of good advice,
Mother of the Creator,
Mother of the Saviour,
Miss prudent,
Miss venerable,
Virgo glorified,
Miss you can,
Miss Gracious,
Miss faithful,
Mirror of Justice,
Capital of wisdom,
The cause of our joy,
The Holy Spirit Tabernacle,
The Glorious Tabernacle,
The tabernacle of celebrated piety,
Spiritual Rose,
Tower of David,
Ivory tower,
House of gold,
Ark of the covenant,
Blue Gate,
Morning star,
Healing the sick,
Refuge of the sinful,
Consolation of migrants,
Comforter of the afflicted,
Aiding the faithful,
Queen of Angels,
Queen of the Patriarchs,
Queen of the Prophets,
Queen of the Apostles,
Queen of Martyrs,
Queen of Confessors,
Queen of Virgins,
Queen of All Saints,
Queen without blemish conceived,
Queen of the Assumption,
Queen of the Holy Rosary,
Queen of families,
Queen of Peace,
Queen of Poland,

Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,
- Forgive us, Lord.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,
- hear us, Lord.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,
- Have mercy on us.

During the Easter period:
P.: Rejoice and be merry, Virgin Mary, Alleluia.
W.: For the Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia.

Let us pray: Boże, który raczyłeś uweselić świat przez zmartwychwstanie Syna swego, Pana naszego Jezusa Chrystusa, daj prosimy, abyśmy przez Jego Rodzicielkę, Maryję Pannę, dostąpili radości życia wiecznego. Przez Chrystusa, Pana naszego.

W.: Amen.

Outside the Easter period:

P: Pray for us, Holy Mother of God.
W: That we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: O Lord, our God, grant us, your servants, to enjoy lasting health of soul and body, and through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, ever Virgin, free us from temporal afflictions and grant us eternal joy. Through Christ our Lord.

W: Amen.

Under your protection...

The Litany of Loretto is one of the most spiritual and profound forms of Catholic prayer addressed to Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ. It is an expression of our faith, hope and love, addressed to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who, over the centuries, has inspired the faithful to deep reflection and spiritual growth. In this prayer, through a series of invocations, we honour Mary, asking for her intercession and help. A collection of invocations and titles of Mary, the Litany of Loretto reveals her role in the history of salvation and in the life of every Christian.

Description of the Litany of Loreto

A deeply rooted prayer in Catholic tradition, the Litany of Loretto to the Blessed Virgin Mary has for centuries been an expression of the devotion and love of the faithful towards the Mother of God. Its unique form, consisting of a series of invocations, allows for the expression of a wealth of feelings and requests addressed to Mary, who is seen as the Mother of Christ and the Mother of all people. These invocations, ranging from 'Holy Mother of God' to 'Queen of Families', reflect various aspects of Mary's spirituality, revealing her role as mediatrix of graces, intercessor and comforter. Being both a prayer of petition and thanksgiving, the litany reflects a deep faith in Marian intercession and Her unique place in the plan of salvation.

Each of the invocations of the Litany of Loretto, rich in theological and spiritual meaning, carries an invitation to meditate on Mary's life and mission in the history of salvation. Titles such as "Mother Most Holy", "Virgin Most Pure" and "Cause of Our Joy" not only express our reverence and adoration for Mary, but also remind us of her closeness to each of us, her readiness to listen to our requests and to counsel us with her help. In the recitation of the Litany of Loretto, the faithful find comfort and support, entrusting their worries, hopes and joys to Mary. It is not only a prayer for help in temporal tribulations, but also a request for guidance on the paths leading to eternal salvation, which makes the Litany of Loretto an indispensable element of Christian spirituality, bringing hope and light to the life of every praying person.

Day dedicated to the Litany of Loreto

The day dedicated to the Litany of Loretto is a special opportunity for the faithful to gather together and express their faith through Marian prayer, which has accompanied the Catholic Church for centuries. It is a time when the community of believers, united in prayer, turns to the Blessed Virgin Mary for protection and intercession. On this day, churches and shrines around the world become places of special recollection where the Litany of Loretto is recited, recalling the Marian titles and qualities that are a source of inspiration and spiritual support for every Christian.

Wspólna modlitwa w tym dniu nie tylko pogłębia więzi między członkami wspólnoty wiary, ale także umacnia relację każdego wiernego z Maryją, która jest Matką Kościoła i naszą niebiańską Orędowniczką. Uroczystości związane z dniem Litanii Loretańskiej często wzbogacane są o dodatkowe praktyki pobożne, takie jak procesje, adoracje Najświętszego Sakramentu, czy okazje do sakramentu pokuty. Jest to również moment, w którym można głębiej zastanowić się nad słowami modlitwy, które nie są tylko formą kultu, ale także wyrazem głębokiej wiary w Boże miłosierdzie oraz ufności w maryjne wstawiennictwo. Dzień poświęcony Litanii Loretańskiej przypomina nam, że przez modlitwę i zaufanie do Maryi możemy finding the way to Christ, drawing from her example the strength to live daily in accordance with Gospel values.

Loretto's description of Mary

The Loretto description of Mary, contained in the series of invocations of the Litany of Loretto, reveals the richness and multidimensionality of the Blessed Virgin Mary's role in the life of the faithful and in the history of salvation. Each invocation, from "Hail Mary" to "Queen of Heaven", is like a pearl in a crown that illustrates not only Her spiritual beauty, but also Her active presence in the lives of everyone who seeks consolation, support and guidance. Mary's Loretto titles, such as 'Mother of God', 'Mother of God's Grace' and 'Cause of Our Joy', emphasise Her extraordinary mission as Mother of God and Mother of the Church, as well as Her closeness to every human being.

These invocations reflect a profound Marian theology, showing Mary as a model of perfect faith and obedience to God's will, and as a source of inspiration for anyone striving for holiness. The Loretto description of Mary invites the faithful to contemplate her life, which exemplifies unconditional love, humility, and service to God and people. In the recitation of the Litany of Loretto, the prayers call upon Mary by various names, with the aim not only of honouring her, but also of asking for her intercession and help in spiritual and material needs. Loretto's description of Mary, rich in metaphors and symbols, is a testimony not only to historical piety but also to the continuing relevance of Marian spirituality in the life of the Church.

Commentary on the Litany of Loreto

The commentary on the Litany of Loretto plays an extremely important role in understanding the depth and meaning of this prayer, showing the faithful the spiritual richness contained in each of the invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary. By analysing and reflecting on particular titles of Mary, such as 'Queen of Heaven' or 'Morning Star', the commentary opens the door to a deeper meditation on her life and mission in God's plan. It enables the faithful not only to understand intellectually the contents contained therein, but also to experience spiritually an intimacy with Mary as our Mother and Advocate.

In analysing the Litanies of Loretto, the commentary emphasises the universality of Mary, who is present in various aspects of human life, being a source of support, consolation and inspiration. Invocations such as 'Refuge of sinners' and 'Comforter of the afflicted' remind us of Mary's readiness to listen to our requests and help us in the most difficult moments of life. In addition, the commentary on the Litany of Loretto highlights Mary's role in the salvation of humanity, reminding us of her unwavering faith and trust in God, making her a model for every Christian to follow.

With this commentary on the Litany of Loretto, the faithful can more deeply understand and appreciate the value of this prayer as a path to spiritual growth and drawing closer to God through Mary. It is an invitation to contemplate on the divine mystery, with Mary as the guide who leads us to her Son, Jesus Christ, showing us the way to true joy and salvation.

Litany as a work of prayer

As a work of prayer, the Litany of Loretto occupies a unique place in the spiritual tradition of the Catholic Church, being both an expression of deep veneration for the Blessed Virgin Mary and a tool of spiritual growth for those who recite it. This form of prayer, consisting of a series of invocations to Mary under different titles, is not only an act of devotion, but also a testimony of faith in the power of her intercession and presence in the life of every believer. Each invocation, from 'Mother of God' to 'Help of Christians', reminds us of the diverse aspects of Mary's role in salvation history and her constant concern for humanity.

The Litany of Loretto, being a liturgical and private prayer, serves not only to venerate Mary but also to meditate deeply on the mystery of the Incarnation and salvation. As a form of dialogue between the one praying and Heaven, the litany invocations allow for a personal and communal experience of God's presence. By referring to Mary by various titles, we express our understanding of her mission and our trust in her maternal protection. The Litany is thus not only a prayerful work, but also a theological one, demonstrating the depth of Catholic Marian doctrine.

Furthermore, the Litany of Loretto, as a work of prayer, has the power to inspire the faithful to imitate Mary's virtues such as humility, obedience to God's will and unwavering faith. The recitation of the Litany can bring consolation in difficulties, strength in temptations and lead to a deeper union with God through prayerful entrustment to Mary. In this way, the Litany of Loretto becomes not only a prayer of intercession, but also a school of spirituality, teaching how to live in intimacy with God and His Mother.

Litany in the daily life of the faithful

The inclusion of the Litany of Loretto in the daily prayer practice of the faithful is an expression of deep faith and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, reflecting the conviction of her constant presence and protection over us. This prayer, through its many invocations, allows us to personally turn to Mary in the various circumstances of life, asking for her intercession and help. For many faithful, the Litany becomes a daily source of strength, consolation and spiritual support, offering words that can express the deepest desires of the heart.

The Litany of Loretto, recited individually or together, helps us to maintain a living relationship with Mary, who is not only the Mother of God, but also our Mother. This prayer reminds us that we can turn to Mary at any time in our lives, whether we are seeking consolation in sorrow, strength in temptation, or giving thanks for the graces we have received. Mary, present in these invocations as the Cause of Our Joy, the Star of the Sea, or the Health of the Sick, becomes close to everyone who trusts in her.

The daily recitation of the Litany of Loretto is also an encouragement to imitate Marian virtues such as deep faith, humility and readiness to serve others. The invocations of the Litany show Mary as a model of Christian life, inspiring the faithful to live according to Gospel values. In this way, the Litany is not just a prayer for intercession, but becomes a path to spiritual growth and holiness, leading through Marian imitation to a deeper union with Christ. In this way, the Litany of Loretto, by inserting itself into the daily life of the faithful, transforms their lives, making Mary not only an object of veneration, but above all a Mother, a guide and an advocate on the path to God.

Reflections on the Litanies of Loretto

Meditations on the Litanies of Loretto offer a deeper dive into Marian spirituality, allowing the faithful to discover the theological and spiritual richness contained in each of the invocations of this prayer. By meditating on the various titles attributed to Mary, such as 'Mother of God', 'Queen of Peace' and 'Comforter of the Afflicted', the faithful have the opportunity to deepen their relationship with the Mother of Christ and, through her, with God. These reflections become an opportunity to reflect on Mary's role in the life of every Christian, and the ways in which her example and intercession can influence our daily lives.

Każde wezwanie Litanii Loretańskiej jest jak okno otwierające się na konkretny aspekt maryjnej duchowości, zapraszające do kontemplacji i osobistego doświadczenia. Rozważając na przykład tytuł „Przyczyna Naszej Radości”, wierni mogą zastanowić się, w jaki sposób Maryja przynosi radość do ich życia, jak również jak mogą naśladować Jej otwartość na Boże działanie, aby stać się źródłem radości dla innych. Z kolei tytuł „Gwiazda Morza” może prowadzić do refleksji nad Maryją jako przewodniczką w trudnych chwilach życia, światłem prowadzącym do bezpiecznego portu, którym jest Chrystus.

Meditations on the Litanies of Loretto also encourage personal commitment to spiritual life, prayer and acts of charity, pointing to Mary as a model of faith and love of neighbour. By meditating on these invocations, the faithful can discover new ways to respond to the call to holiness, while experiencing the support and consolation of Marian intercession.

In this way, meditations on the Litanies of Loretto become not only a personal spiritual practice, but also a path to a deeper understanding of Mary's place in the mystery of Christ and the Church. They are an invitation to live more in harmony with Gospel values, inspired by Mary, Mother of God, who leads us to a fuller life in Christ.