Invocations of the Virgin Mary
The Virgin Mary is depicted as an adolescent girl in this late 1590s or early 1600s painting by the Greek born Spanish painter Doménikos Theotokópoulos (El Greco).
History
Marian invocations are prayers or phrases that invoke the intercession of the Virgin Mary. They have been used throughout Christian history as a way to ask for Mary's help, guidance, and protection.
The practice of invoking Mary can be traced back to the early centuries of Christianity, when she was already venerated as a holy figure and as the mother of Jesus. One of the earliest known Marian invocations is the "Sub Tuum Praesidium," a prayer that dates back to the third century and asks for Mary's protection and intercession.
Over time, other invocations emerged that reflected different aspects of Mary's character and role. Some of the most common Marian invocations include "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee," "Mary, Mother of God, pray for us," and "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death."
In the Middle Ages, devotion to Mary grew even more, and new invocations and prayers were added to reflect this. The "Salve Regina," a hymn that asks for Mary's intercession and protection, was composed in the 11th century and became one of the most popular Marian prayers in the Catholic Church.
In the modern era, new Marian invocations have emerged, reflecting the diversity of cultures and traditions within the Catholic Church. For example, in Latin America, Mary is often invoked as "Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe," while in the Philippines, she is honored as "Our Lady of the Rosary."
The Litany of Loreto, also known as the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, originally approved in 1587 by Pope Sixtus V, is a traditional Catholic prayer that consists of a series of invocations and titles attributed to the Virgin Mary. It is named after its first-known place of origin, the Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto (Italy), where its usage was recorded as early as 1558.
The Litany of Loreto is often recited as part of the Rosary or during Marian processions and devotions. It is a way for Catholics to honor and seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The prayer consists of several invocations, with each one followed by the response, "Pray for us." The litany would often be recited as a call and response chant in a group setting.
Here is an example of the Litany of Loreto, though variations exist:
"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 Spirit, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
"Holy Mary, pray for us. Holy Mother of God, pray for us. Holy Virgin of Virgins, pray for us. Mother of Christ, pray for us. Mother of divine grace, pray for us. Mother most pure, pray for us. Mother most chaste, pray for us. Mother inviolate, pray for us. Mother undefiled, pray for us. Mother most amiable, pray for us. Mother most admirable, pray for us. Mother of good counsel, pray for us. Mother of our Creator, pray for us. Mother of our Savior, pray for us.
"Virgin most prudent, pray for us. Virgin most venerable, pray for us. Virgin most renowned, pray for us. Virgin most powerful, pray for us. Virgin most merciful, pray for us. Virgin most faithful, pray for us.
"Mirror of justice, pray for us. Seat of wisdom, pray for us. Cause of our joy, pray for us. Spiritual vessel, pray for us. Vessel of honor, pray for us. Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us. Mystical rose, pray for us. Tower of David, pray for us. Tower of ivory, pray for us. House of gold, pray for us. Ark of the Covenant, pray for us. Gate of Heaven, pray for us. Morning Star, pray for us. Health of the sick, pray for us. Refuge of sinners, pray for us. Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us. Help of Christians, pray for us.
"Queen of Angels, pray for us. Queen of Patriarchs, pray for us. Queen of Prophets, pray for us. Queen of Apostles, pray for us. Queen of Martyrs, pray for us. Queen of Confessors, pray for us. Queen of Virgins, pray for us. Queen of all Saints, pray for us. Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us. Queen assumed into Heaven, pray for us. Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us. Queen of families, pray for us. Queen of peace, pray for us.
"Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ."
The Litany of Loreto is a beautiful prayer that highlights the various virtues and roles attributed to Mary in Catholic theology. It expresses the desire for her intercession and invokes her as a source of comfort, guidance, and protection.