Litany for the Faithful Departed
Pray for the faithful departed with this traditional Catholic Litany from Fr. F.X. Lasance’s Prayer Book for Religious. Offer intercessions for souls in Purgatory, gain indulgences, and participate in a timeless devotion aiding their holy repose.
Litany for the Faithful Departed
For Private Devotion
Invocation
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Supplications to God
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 Ghost, have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed.
Invocations to the Saints
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
St. Michael, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
All ye angels and archangels, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
All ye orders of blessed spirits, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
St. Joseph, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
All ye holy patriarchs and prophets, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
All ye holy apostles and evangelists, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
All ye holy martyrs, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
All ye holy bishops and confessors, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
All ye holy doctors, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
All ye holy priests and Levites, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
All ye holy monks and hermits, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
All ye holy virgins and widows, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
All ye saints of God, pray for the souls of the faithful departed.
Be merciful, spare them O Lord.
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord.
O Lord, deliver them
From all evil, O Lord, deliver them.
From the rigor of Thy justice, O Lord, deliver them.
From the power of the devil, O Lord, deliver them.
From long-enduring sorrow, O Lord, deliver them.
From cruel flames, O Lord, deliver them.
From horrible darkness, O Lord, deliver them.
From dreadful weeping and wailing, O Lord, deliver them.
Through Thy holy nativity, O Lord, deliver them.
Through Thy most sweet name, O Lord, deliver them.
Through Thy most profound humiliations, O Lord, deliver them.
Through Thine infinite love, O Lord, deliver them.
Through Thy bloody sweat, O Lord, deliver them.
Through Thy scourging, O Lord, deliver them.
Through Thy crowning with thorns, O Lord, deliver them.
Through Thy carrying of the cross, O Lord, deliver them.
Through Thy most cruel death, O Lord, deliver them.
Through Thy five most holy wounds, O Lord, deliver them.
We beseech Thee, hear us
We sinners, We beseech Thee, hear us.
Thou Who forgavest Magdalen, and didst grant the prayer of the thief, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst be pleased to deliver the souls of our parents, relations, friends, and benefactors, from the pains of hell, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst be pleased to have mercy on those of whom no special remembrance is made on earth, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst be pleased to grant them all the pardon and remission of their sins, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst be pleased to receive them into the company of the blessed, We beseech Thee, hear us.
King of awful majesty, We beseech Thee, hear us.
Son of God, We beseech Thee, hear us.
Lamb of God
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant unto them rest.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant unto them rest.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant unto them rest everlasting.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Concluding Prayers
From the gate of hell, deliver their souls, O Lord.
O Lord, hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.
Let us pray.
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant unto the souls of Thy servants departed the remission of all their sins; that, by pious supplications, they may obtain the pardon which they have always desired.
Grant this, O God, Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.
O eternal God, Who, besides the general precept of charity, hast commanded a particular respect for parents, kindred, and benefactors; grant, we beseech Thee, that, as they were the instruments by which Thy providence bestowed on us our birth, education, and innumerable other blessings, so our prayers may be the means to obtain for them a speedy release from their excessive sufferings, and admittance to Thine infinite joys. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
V. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace. Amen.
By Ludovico Carracci – Web Gallery of Art: Image Info about artwork, Public Domain, Link
The Litany for the Souls in Purgatory
The Litany for the Souls in Purgatory is a powerful Catholic prayer of mercy, intercession, and hope. Using Father Lasance’s faithful translation, it connects the faithful on earth with the holy souls undergoing purification, invoking saints, angels, and the entire communion of the Church. Here’s why this prayer matters:
- Support the souls in Purgatory: Every recitation helps the faithful departed find relief and purification.
- Join the communion of saints: Apostles, martyrs, confessors, virgins, and all saints are called to intercede.
- Invoke God’s mercy: The litany petitions God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for infinite compassion.
- Remember your loved ones: Parents, relatives, friends, and benefactors are all included in these prayers.
- A timeless spiritual tradition: Following Father Lasance, this faithful translation has guided Catholics for generations in intercession and devotion.
- Strengthen your faith: Praying the litany unites the Church Militant (us), the Church Suffering (souls in purgatory), and the Church Triumphant (saints in heaven).
This litany is more than a list of names—it’s a prayer of hope, mercy, and solidarity. Every word bridges heaven and earth, reminding us that praying for the holy souls strengthens our own faith while helping them reach eternal joy.
