Pope Francis decided to insert three new invocations to the Virgin Mary in the “Litanies of Loreto” dedicated to Her: “Mother of Mercy” (Mater Misericordiae), “Mother of Hope” (Mater Spei) and “Comfort of Migrants” (Solacium Migrantium).
In a letter to the Presidents of the Episcopal Conference, published on June 20, 2020, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments stressed that prayer to the Virgin Mary is a “privileged and sure way of encounter with Christ.”
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Letter of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
From the Vatican, June 20, 2020
Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Eminence,
The Church, on pilgrimage to Heaven’s Holy Jerusalem, — to enjoy inseparable communion with Christ, her Spouse and Saviour –, walks along the paths of history entrusting herself to Her who believed in the Lord’s word. We know, in fact, from the Gospel that Jesus’ disciples learned from the beginning to praise the “blessed among all women” and to count on Her maternal intercession. One cannot name the titles and the invocations that, in the course of the centuries, Christian piety has given to the Virgin Mary, privileged and sure way of encounter with Christ. In our time also, which is going through reasons of uncertainty and bewilderment, pious recourse to Her, full of affection and confidence, is particularly dear to the People of God.
Interpreter of this sentiment, the Sovereign Pontiff Francis, receiving the desires expressed, wished to establish that, in the formulary of the litanies of the blessed Virgin Mary, called “of Loreto,” the <following> invocations be inscribed: “Mater Misericordiae,” “Mater Spei” and Solacium Migrantium.”
The first invocation will be inserted after “Mater Ecclesiae,” the second after “Mater Divinae Gratiae,” and the third after “Refugium Peccatorum.”
While I am happy to communicate this disposition to Your Eminence, so that it is known and implemented, I take the occasion to express to you the sentiments of my esteem.
Yours very devotedly in the Lord,
Cardinal Robert
Prefect
Monsignor Arthur Roche
Archbishop Secretary
Here is the text of the Loreto Litanies with the additions:
Lord, have mercy.
Chris, have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ hear us.
Father of Heaven, You Who are God,
Have mercy on us.
Son, Redeemer of the world, You Who are God,
Holy Spirit, You Who are God,
Holy Trinity, You Who are One God,
Holy Mary,
Pray for us.
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of the Church,
Mother of Mercy,
Mother of Divine Grace,
Mother of Hope,
Mother most pure,
Mother most chaste,
Mother ever Virgin,
Mother without stain.
Mother most amiable,
Mother of Good Counsel,
Mother of the Creator,
Mother of the Saviour,
Mother of Mercy,
Mother most prudent,
Mother worthy of honour,
Mother worthy of praise,
Powerful Virgin,
Clement Virgin,
Faithful Virgin,
Mirror of Divine Holiness,
Seat of Wisdom,
Cause of our joy,
Temple of the Holy Spirit,
Tabernacle of eternal glory,
Abode all consecrated to God,
Mystical Rose, Tower of David,
Tower of ivory,
House of gold,
Ark of the Covenant,
Gate of Heaven,
Morning Star,
Health of the Sick,
Refuge of sinners,
Comfort of migrants,
Consoler of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of Angels,
Queen of Prophets,
Queen of Apostles,
Queen of Martyrs,
Queen of Confessors,
Queen of Virgins,
Queen of All Saints,
Queen conceived without Original Sin,
Queen assumed into Heaven,
Queen of the Holy Rosary,
Queen of the Family,
Queen of Peace.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,
Forgive us, Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,
Hear us, Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,
Have mercy on us, Lord.
Pray for us, Holy Mother of God,
That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray,
Let your faithful,
Lord Our God,
Enjoy health of soul and body,
By the glorious intercession
Of Blessed Mary ever Virgin,
Deliver us from our present sadness
And lead us to eternal happiness,
Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.
