Litany of the Saints
Have you ever heard the beautiful Litany of the Saints? It is a wonderful reflection of what the upcoming Feast Day of All Saints Day is about, and an expression of the Catholic Church’s teaching that those who have gone before us, pray for us! They cheer us on as it were, as we travel the path they themselves once trod. The Litany of the Saints is one of the many treasures God has given to the Church throughout the centuries.
What is All Saints’ Day and why do Catholics celebrate it?
All Saints’ Day is a solemn holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually on November 1. The day is dedicated to the Saints of the Church
recognized in the canon of the Saints by the Catholic Church. All Saints’ Day is also commemorated by the Eastern Orthodox Church and the many Eastern Rites that are in union with Rome. For Catholics, All Saints’ Day is a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning all Catholics are required to attend Mass on that day, unless a justifiable reason exists.
History of the Feast
Christians in the early years of the Church (1st c.) would observe the anniversary of a martyr’s death by holding an all-night vigil, then celebrate Holy Mass over their tomb or at the place of martyrdom. During the great persecutions, so many martyrs arose, they could not each be given their own day of recognition. Thus, a common feast day was appointed for all martyrs, which was celebrated as early as the year 270. In 609 Pope Boniface IV consecrated the Pantheon at Rome to the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the martyrs. The feast of the “Dedicatio Sanctae Mariae ad Martyres” has been celebrated in Rome ever since.
Our Connection with the Saints
We firmly believe there is a connection between the souls in purgatory (the “Church Suffering”), those in heaven (the “Church triumphant”), and the faithful still living in the world (the “Church militant”). The mutual prayers of the Church Triumphant, Suffering, and Militant are a channel of many graces for the Church. We build each other up, praying for one another so that one day we may all enjoy the reward of Heaven.
The Litany of the Saints
….consists of a solemn series of invocations in which are repeated the names of the canonized saints of the Church. It begins with the invocation of the Persons of the Most Holy Trinity and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then come in order, the invocation of the angels, apostles, patriarchs, martyrs, pontiffs, confessors, and virgins as well as prayers for the Church for preservation from evil and preservation of the faith. Echoing through the porticos of time, the call for prayerful intercession by those who have gone before us, transcends this world, touching on the mysteries of the next.
Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy, Lord, have mercy.
Holy Mary, Mother of God…..Pray for us.
Saint Michael…..Pray for us.
Holy angels of God….Pray for us.
Saint Joseph………Pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist…..Pray for us.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul…..Pray for us.
Saint Andrew……Pray for us.
Saint John…..Pray for us.
Saint Mary Magdalene……Pray for us.
Saint Stephen…..Pray for us
If you are Catholic, but never had the opportunity to hear the Litany of the Saints (or if you are non-Catholic and interested in this centuries-old litany) All Saints Catholic Parish invites you to experience the Holy Mass on Wednesday, November 1st at 9:15 AM or 6:00 PM. Come and hear it for the first time. Come with your family, light a prayer candle, pray for your departed loved ones or someone who made a Godly influence in your life. See you at Mass.