Prayers to the Saints
The Saints are our brothers and sisters in Christ who have reached their heavenly home. As members of the Church Triumphant, they unceasingly intercede for us, the members of the Church Militant on earth. We do not worship the saints, for worship is due to God alone, but we honour them (dulia) and ask for their prayers, just as we would ask a friend on earth to pray for us. Below is a collection of traditional prayers to various saints.
Litany of the Saints (Short Form)
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.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Saint Michael, pray for us.
Saint Gabriel, pray for us.
Saint Raphael, pray for us.
All ye holy Angels and Archangels, pray for us.
All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits, pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets, pray for us.
Saint Peter, pray for us.
Saint Paul, pray for us.
Saint Andrew, pray for us.
Saint John, pray for us.
All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, pray for us.
All ye holy Disciples of the Lord, pray for us.
All ye holy Innocents, pray for us.
Saint Stephen, pray for us.
Saint Lawrence, pray for us.
All ye holy Martyrs, pray for us.
Saint Gregory, pray for us.
Saint Augustine, pray for us.
All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, pray for us.
All ye holy Doctors, pray for us.
Saint Anthony, pray for us.
Saint Benedict, pray for us.
Saint Dominic, pray for us.
Saint Francis, pray for us.
All ye holy Priests and Levites, pray for us.
All ye holy Monks and Hermits, pray for us.
Saint Mary Magdalen, pray for us.
Saint Agnes, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, pray for us.
Saint Catherine, pray for us.
All ye holy Virgins and Widows, pray for us.
All ye Saints of God, make intercession for us.
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Joseph
O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O Saint Joseph, do assist me by thy powerful intercession, and obtain for me from thy Divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thine arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. Saint Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for me. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Jude Thaddeus
O most holy Apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honoureth and invoketh thee universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, and of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, who am so miserable. Make use, I implore thee, of that particular privilege accorded to thee, to bring visible and speedy help where help was almost despaired of. Come to mine assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolation and succour of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with thee and all the elect throughout eternity. Amen.
Contexte Historique
The practice of asking the saints for their intercession is rooted in the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints, which unites the faithful on Earth, the souls in Purgatory, and the saints in Heaven into one mystical body in Christ. This veneration dates back to the earliest days of Christianity, where martyrs were highly honoured on the anniversaries of their deaths, and the faithful would gather at their tombs to pray, asking for their intercession from Heaven. These prayers are not an act of worship, which is reserved for God alone, but a request for spiritual assistance from those who are already in God’s presence.