Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a beautiful prayer that honors the special role of Mary in God’s plan for the world. It focuses on her pure heart, which was filled with love for God and for all people. This prayer asks for Mary’s intercession and reflects on her many virtues. It helps us grow closer to her and to her Son, Jesus.

Each line of the Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary describes an aspect of Mary’s heart. It reminds us of her humility, love, and closeness to Jesus. We are encouraged to follow her example of faith and trust in God. By meditating on her heart, we see how she always pointed others to Jesus.

The prayer is also a way to ask for Mary’s help in our lives. She is called our refuge, our comfort, and our hope. By turning to her, we entrust ourselves to a loving mother who cares for us. Through her intercession, we ask God to guide us and protect us.

This Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a simple but powerful reminder of Mary’s special role in the Church and in our lives. It is often prayed by individuals or groups seeking to honor her and grow in their faith. Through this prayer, we reflect on her example and ask her to bring us closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.

The Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was written by St. John Henry Newman in 1845. He composed it shortly after he became Catholic, inspired by his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Newman wanted to honor Mary’s virtues and her close relationship with Jesus. This prayer became a way for Catholics to reflect on Mary’s heart and seek her intercession.

The Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary follows a traditional format. It starts by calling on the Holy Trinity and asking for mercy. Then it praises different aspects of Mary’s heart, with the response, “Pray for us.” It ends with petitions to Jesus and a final prayer. This structure makes it easy to pray, whether alone or with others.

Newman’s litany reflects the Church’s love for Mary, which had been growing for centuries. Devotion to her Immaculate Heart gained popularity in the 1600s through saints like John Eudes. Newman’s prayer builds on this tradition, showing how Mary’s heart is full of love and mercy for all.

The Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary remains a meaningful prayer today. It helps us meditate on Mary’s virtues and her role in bringing us closer to Jesus. (Source: CatholicCulture.org)

The Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary connects to many Biblical themes. Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord” (Luke 1:38), shows her trust in God. Her heart reflects her faith and her willingness to say “yes” to His plan. The litany highlights these qualities, helping us to see her as a model of faith and obedience.

The Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary also reminds us of Mary’s role in Jesus’ mission. At the foot of the Cross, she stood with courage and love (John 19:25-27). Her heart was united with Jesus in his suffering, showing her deep commitment to God’s plan for our salvation. The Catechism teaches, “Mary’s role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ” (CCC 964). This prayer reflects that union and invites us to draw closer to Jesus through her example.

In youth ministry, this litany can be a helpful tool for teaching faith. It connects young people to themes like trust, humility, and mercy. It encourages them to look to Mary as a guide in their own faith journey. By reflecting on her virtues, youth can learn how to follow Jesus with love and courage.

This Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary also creates space for personal reflection. It invites young people to think about their own choices and how they can imitate Mary’s openness to God’s will. Through this, it strengthens their faith and reminds them of Mary’s care for all of us.

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.

Heart of Mary, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, like unto the Heart of God, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, united to the Heart of Jesus, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, instrument of the Holy Ghost, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, sanctuary of the Divine Trinity, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, tabernacle of God Incarnate, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, immaculate from thy creation, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, full of grace, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, blessed among all hearts, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, throne of glory, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, most humble, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, holocaust of Divine Love, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, fastened to the Cross with Jesus Crucified, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, comfort of the afflicted, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, refuge of sinners, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, hope of the agonizing, Pray for us.
Heart of Mary, seat of mercy, Pray for us.

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. Immaculate Mary, meek and humble of heart, 
R. Make our hearts like unto the Heart of Jesus.

Let Us Pray:
O most merciful God, Who, for the salvation of sinners and the refuge of the miserable, wast pleased that the Most Pure Heart of Mary should be most like in charity and pity to the Divine Heart of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, grant that we, who commemorate this sweet and loving Heart, by the merits and intercession of the same Blessed Virgin, may merit to be found like unto the Heart of Jesus, through the same Christ Our Lord. 
R. Amen.

More Catholic Prayers

If you are looking for more prayers to deepen your faith, visit our Catholic Prayers page. It is a great resource with many traditional and meaningful prayers to help you in your spiritual life. The Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is one of the prayers featured there, along with others that honor Mary, the saints, and Jesus.

You will find prayers for different occasions, needs, and devotions. Whether you want to pray alone or with a group, this page has something for everyone. Explore it to find prayers that inspire you and help you grow closer to God.

What is the Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary?

The Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a prayer that honors Mary’s heart and virtues. It praises her love, humility, and faithfulness. It also asks for her prayers and intercession.

Who wrote the Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary?

St. John Henry Newman wrote this litany in 1845. He created it shortly after becoming Catholic as a way to honor Mary and reflect on her example.

How is the Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary prayed?

The litany begins by asking for God’s mercy. Then it offers praises to Mary’s heart, each followed by the response, “Pray for us.” It ends with petitions to Jesus and a closing prayer.

What are some themes in the Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary?

This litany highlights Mary’s love for God, her union with Jesus, and her role in helping others. It also reflects themes of trust, humility, and mercy.

Can I use the Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in group prayer?

Yes, the litany is often prayed in groups, especially during Marian devotions. Its simple and repetitive format makes it easy for everyone to join in.

How does the Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary connect to Scripture?

The litany reflects Mary’s response to God’s call, such as in Luke 1:38, where she says, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.” It also recalls her role at the Cross, as seen in John 19:25-27.

How can the Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary be used in youth ministry?

This prayer helps young people reflect on Mary’s virtues and how they can follow her example. It connects to themes of faith, trust, and saying “yes” to God. It can be a great teaching tool in youth groups.

What is the purpose of praying the Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary?

The purpose is to honor Mary’s Immaculate Heart, reflect on her virtues, and ask for her prayers. It brings us closer to Mary and her Son, Jesus.

The Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a prayer that honors the virtues of Mary’s heart and her special role in leading us to Jesus. Written by St. John Henry Newman in 1845, it reflects his devotion to Mary and his desire to highlight her love and faithfulness. The litany praises her heart as a symbol of trust, humility, and mercy.

This litany follows a traditional pattern. It begins by asking for God’s mercy, then praises various qualities of Mary’s heart, with the response, “Pray for us.” It ends with petitions to Jesus and a closing prayer. Its simple format makes it easy to pray alone or with others.

Praying this litany invites reflection on Mary’s example and her role in helping us grow closer to Jesus. It connects to Biblical themes of trust and faith, reminding us of her “yes” to God’s plan and her presence at the Cross. This prayer is a beautiful way to honor Mary and seek her intercession in our lives.

Have you prayed the Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below!

This prayer is a powerful way to connect with Mary and reflect on her virtues. Let us know how it has inspired or encouraged you in your faith. Your story might help someone else grow closer to Jesus through this beautiful prayer. We look forward to hearing from you!