In the rich tapestry of Catholic devotions , the Litany of the Name of Jesus holds a special place in the hearts of Catholics. This beautiful prayer, focused on the veneration of the Holy Name of Jesus, is a treasure of spiritual richness and a testament to the profound regard with which the Catholic Church holds the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This litany increases our reverence, devotion, and profound respect that Catholics have for the name of Jesus.
The Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus is believed to have been written by Saint Bernadine of Siena and John Capistran in the 15th century. 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.
The Litany of the Name of Jesus is a responsive prayer, traditionally prayed by two groups or a leader and congregation. The litany starts with the invocation of the Trinity, followed by a sequence of acclamations to the name of Jesus. Each invocation is responded with "have mercy on us" by the congregation, underscoring the mercy, compassion, and love that the name of Jesus signifies.
The prayer paints a detailed portrait of Jesus, revealing His many roles and attributes as understood by the Catholic Church. Jesus is referred to as the "Son of God", the "Splendor of the Father", "Brightness of eternal Light", and "King of Glory", among others. These titles emphasize His divinity, His relationship with the Father, and His role in salvation history.
For Catholics, the name of Jesus is not merely an appellation but a sacred symbol of the person of Jesus Christ Himself. It represents His teachings, His life, His death, and His resurrection. Thus, the litany is a profound affirmation of the mystery of the Incarnation - the belief that God became man in Jesus Christ.
The repeated invocation of Jesus' name in the litany echoes the Pauline letter to the Philippians (2:10), stating, "At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow." This repetition serves as a spiritual exercise that instills deep reverence for the Holy Name, reinforcing faith, inspiring contemplation, and encouraging humility.
In a broader sense, the litany is a call to Christian discipleship. It presents an opportunity for believers to delve deeper into their understanding of who Jesus is and what His life and teachings mean for them personally and communally. By invoking His name, they are reminded of His unconditional love, His selfless sacrifice, and His call to love and serve others.
The Litany of the Name of Jesus, while seemingly simple, is an eloquent and profound exploration of the character, the roles, and the divine nature of Jesus Christ as understood within the Catholic tradition. As a form of prayer, it invites Catholics to align themselves more closely with the person and mission of Jesus, renewing their faith and deepening their commitment to follow His path of love, mercy, and service. The spiritual richness of this litany offers both solace and inspiration, reminding believers of the sacred power and significance held within the Holy Name of Jesus.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us. Have mercy on us.
Jesus, graciously hear us. Have mercy on us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. 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.
Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, splendor of the Father, have mercy on us.
Jesus, brightness of eternal light, have mercy on us.
Jesus, King of glory, have mercy on us.
Jesus, sun of justice, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most amiable, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most admirable, have mercy on us.
Jesus, the mighty God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, father of the world to come, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Angel of great counsel, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most powerful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most patient, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most obedient, have mercy on us.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, have mercy on us.
Jesus, lover of chastity, have mercy on us.
Jesus, lover of us, have mercy on us.
Jesus, God of peace, have mercy on us.
Jesus, author of life, have mercy on us.
Jesus, example of virtues, have mercy on us.
Jesus, zealous lover of souls, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our refuge, have mercy on us.
Jesus, father of the poor, have mercy on us.
Jesus, treasure of the faithful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, good Shepherd, have mercy on us.
Jesus, true light, have mercy on us.
Jesus, eternal wisdom, have mercy on us.
Jesus, infinite goodness, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our way and our life, have mercy on us.
Jesus, joy of Angels, have mercy on us.
Jesus, King of Patriarchs, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Master of the Apostles, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists, have mercy on us.
Jesus, strength of Martyrs, have mercy on us.
Jesus, light of Confessors, have mercy on us.
Jesus, purity of Virgins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, crown of all Saints, have mercy on us.
Be merciful, spare us, O Jesus. Have mercy on us.
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Jesus. Have mercy on us.
From all evil, deliver us, O Jesus. Have mercy on us.
From all sin, have mercy on us.
From Thy wrath, have mercy on us.
From the snares of the devil, have mercy on us.
From the spirit of fornication, have mercy on us.
From everlasting death, have mercy on us.
From the neglect of Thine inspirations, have mercy on us.
By the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation, have mercy on us.
By Thy Nativity, have mercy on us.
By Thine Infancy, have mercy on us.
By Thy most divine Life, have mercy on us.
By Thy labors, have mercy on us.
By Thine agony and Passion, have mercy on us.
By Thy Cross and dereliction, have mercy on us.
By Thy sufferings, have mercy on us.
By Thy Resurrection, have mercy on us.
By Thine Ascension, have mercy on us.
By Thine institution of the most Holy Eucharist, have mercy on us.
By Thy joys, have mercy on us.
By Thy glory, have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us.
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.
