# Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
*2015-06-11*

> Bill Young commemorates the feast day of Blessed Jolenta of Poland and leads a prayerful recitation of the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

## Blessed Jolenta of Poland

Today is Friday, June 12th, the feast day of Blessed Jolenta of Poland. Originally from Hungary, Jolenta married a Duke in Poland. Together, they performed many great works in Poland during the 13th century, establishing new orphanages, seminaries, and churches. Toward the end of her life, she received a vision from Jesus Christ regarding her impending death. Let us pray to her that we may all lead holy and good lives.

## The History of the Litany

Today we are praying the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In 1900, Pope Leo XIII consecrated all the people of the world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, explaining the doctrine in an encyclical that was later elaborated upon by Pope Pius XII. This litany, rich in content and reflecting the words of the Bible, was written in that same theological spirit. It was approved for public use in 1899 and, according to tradition, originated in Marcellus, France.

## The Litany of the Sacred Heart

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. God, our Father of heaven, have mercy on us. God, the Son, the Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. God, Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

We extol the great virtues of the Heart of Jesus: Heart of Jesus, Son of the eternal Father, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, one with the eternal Word, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, infinite in majesty, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, the Holy Temple of God, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, the tabernacle of the Most High, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, aflamed with love for us, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, source of justice and love, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, wellspring of all virtue, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, worthy of our praise, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, treasure house of wisdom and knowledge, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, the only place for the fullness of God, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father is well pleased, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, from whose fullness we have all received, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, desire of eternal hills, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, patient and full of mercy, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, generous to all who turn to you, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, fount of life and holiness, have mercy on us.

From the Heart of Jesus we seek forgiveness and salvation: Heart of Jesus, atonement for our sins, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, overwhelmed with sorrow, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, broken for our sins, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, obedient even unto death, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, pierced by a lance, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, source of all consolations, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, salvation of all who trust in you, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, hope of all who die in you, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, delight of all saints, have mercy on us.

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.

*Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto Thine.*