Litany of the Holy Cross

Litany of the Holy Cross

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

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, our Advocate, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Cross whereon the Lamb of God was offered, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Hope of Christians, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Pledge of the resurrection of the dead, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Shelter of persecuted innocence, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Guide of the blind, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Way of those who have gone astray, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Staff of the lame, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Consolation of the poor, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Restraint of the powerful, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Destruction of the proud, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Refuge of sinners, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Trophy of victory over Hell, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Terror of demons, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Mistress of youth, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Succor of the distressed, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Hope of the hopeless, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Star of the mariner, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Harbor of the wrecked, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Rampart of the besieged, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Father of orphans, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Defense of widows, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Counsel of the just, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Judge of the wicked, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Rest of the afflicted, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Safeguard of childhood, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Strength of manhood, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Last hope of the aged, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Light of those who sit in darkness, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Splendor of kings, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Civilizer of the world, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Shield impenetrable, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Wisdom of the foolish, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Liberty of slaves, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Knowledge of the ignorant, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Sure rule of life, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Heralded by Prophets, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Preached by Apostles, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Glory of Martyrs, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Study of hermits, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Chastity of virgins, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Joy of priests, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Foundation of the Church, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Salvation of the world, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Destruction of idolatry, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Stumbling block to the Jews, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Condemnation of the ungodly, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Support of the weak, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Medicine of the sick, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Health of the leprous, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Strength of the paralytic, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Bread of the hungry, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Fountain of those who thirst, Save us, O Holy Cross.

Clothing of the naked, Save us, O Holy Cross.

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, Hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

V. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,

R. Because by Thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

[Together] Behold the Cross of the Lord! Begone you evil powers!

The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, has conquered! Alleluia!

Let Us Pray.

O God, Who for the redemption of the world, was pleased to be born in a stable and to die upon a cross; O Lord Jesus Christ, by your holy sufferings, which we, your unworthy servants, call to mind: by your Holy Cross, and by your death, deliver us from the pains of Hell, and safely conduct us to where you did conduct the good thief who was crucified with you, Who lives and reigns eternally in Heaven.

 R. Amen.

Sweet the wood, sweet the nails, sweet the Burden which you bear, for you alone, O Holy Cross, Was worthy to bear the King and Lord of Heaven.

R. Amen.

 

This litany dates from the Middle Ages and from many countries; while the refrain refers to the Holy Cross, it is considered that in doing so, we are actually referring to our Savior Who hung upon it and thereby redeemed us all. By our salutation to the chief instrument of Our Lord's Passion and death, we trust in hope that He will show mercy to us.