Litany for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

Litany for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

(Also called the Litany for the Poor Souls)

LITANY FOR SOULS IN PURGATORY

Praying for the souls in purgatory is indeed a profound act of charity in the Catholic faith, rooted in the doctrine of the Communion of Saints. It reflects the belief that the faithful on earth can assist those undergoing purification after death through prayers, Masses, indulgences, and good works.

The Litany for the Holy Souls in Purgatory (also known as the Litany for the Poor Souls) is one such traditional prayer, often recited during November (the month dedicated to the holy souls) or at funerals and memorials. Below is a common version of this litany, based on approved Catholic sources. It’s typically prayed with a leader reciting the invocations and the group responding.

Close the Introduction

SYMBOLS

[℣] Leader  [℟] Response  [Ⱥ] All together

SIGN OF THE CROSS

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

IF YOU HAVE, MENTION YOUR SPECIAL INTENTIONS HERE

  •  
  • [℣] Lord have mercy [℟] Christ have mercy
  • [℣] Lord have mercy on us. Christ hear us. [℟] Christ graciously hear us.
● ● ●
  • [℣] God, the Father of heaven,
  • [℟] Have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed.
  • [℣] God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
  • [℟] Have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed.
  • [℣] God the Holy Spirit,
  • [℟] Have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed.
  • [℣] Holy Trinity, one God,
  • [℟] Have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed.
● ● ●

[℟] = Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.

  • [℣] Holy Mary, [℟]
  • [℣] Holy Mother of God, [℟]
  • [℣] Saint Michael the Archangel, [℟]
  • [℣] All you Angels and Archangels, [℟]
  • [℣] All you Choirs of the Blessed, [℟]
  • [℣] All you holy Patriarchs and Prophets, [℟]
  • [℣] Saint John the Baptist, [℟]
  • [℣] Saint Joseph, [℟]
  • [℣] All you holy Apostles and Evangelists, [℟]
  • [℣] All you holy Martyrs, [℟]
  • [℣] All you holy Bishops and Confessors, [℟]
  • [℣] All you holy Doctors of the Church, [℟]
  • [℣] All you holy Priests and Religious, [℟]
  • [℣] All you holy Monks and Hermits, [℟]
  • [℣] All you holy Virgins and Widows, [℟]
  • [℣] All you Saints of God, [℟]
● ● ●
  • [℣] 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
  • [℟] Graciously hear us, O Lord.
  • [℣] Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world
  • [℟] Have mercy on us.

 

[℣] Let Us Pray.

[Ⱥ] O Eternal and Loving Father, who pardons all sins and desires the salvation of all mankind, we humbly beg Your mercy for our dearly departed family members, relatives, friends, and for all the souls who have no one to pray for them. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the Saints, may You complete the purification of their souls and receive them into the joy of Your glorious presence. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[℣] May the divine assistance remain always with us, [℟] and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

SIGN OF THE CROSS

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.