Personal Litany of Saints

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us ~Hebrews 12:1

The Litany of Saints, which is sung at Ordination Masses, is a beautiful and powerful reminder of just how many helpers and advocates we have for us in Heaven. I recently read about the idea of creating a personal litany of saints, selecting and focusing on saints who share important personal dates or aspects of one’s life. These become the spiritual friends we can call upon in times of joy and times of trouble.

Below is my list of saints with some personal notes and then my personal litany prayer. I encourage you to create one for yourself!

Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Marian title that I found on a Saint medal attached to a decade rosary that I received near the start of this year)

Saint Michael the Archangel (Patron saint of my current parish)

Saint Gabriel the Archangel (delivers news)

Saint Raphael the Archangel (for single people)

My guardian angel (for daily protection)

Saint Joseph (for job help in the past)

Saint Catherine of Bologna (patron saint of art, my Confirmation name)

Saint Padre Pio (my birthday 9/23 is his feast day)

Saint Paul (my childhood parish patron saint)

Saint John (my favorite Gospel writer, the patron saint of the church I attended in college- when my faith became very important to me, John 14:6 is my favorite verse)

Saint Therese of Lisieux (for simple trust in Jesus, doing little things with love)

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (my middle name, the first saint medal that I ever received- feels important to my spiritual journey)

Saint Dymphna (for mental health struggles)

My Personal Litany Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for Your love for me. Thank You for choosing me and setting me apart to share Your glory with the world. I ask for the help of Your friends, these specific Saints in Heaven, to lead me and guide me to walk closer with You.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, help me to recognize your nearness in all moments and to call on you for aid in difficulties. Pray for me.

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend me in all my battles and help me to turn away from sin. For your patronage of my church, St. Michael’s. Pray for me.

Saint Gabriel the Archangel, help me to deliver the good news in a kind and gentle way, trusting in the truth I know. Pray for me.

Saint Raphael the Archangel, walk with me in this time of singleness and if I am meant to live the vocation of marriage, help me to find the man that will lead me to Heaven. Pray for me.

My guardian angel, thank you for your presence and protection over every moment of my life. Pray for me.

Saint Joseph, thank you for your provision in past and current job situations. Continue to lead me wherever I am most needed and most useful. Pray for me.

Saint Catherine of Bologna, guide my artistic pursuits and help me to continue to have the courage to create and share the work that is developed deep within me. Pray for me.

Saint Padre Pio, help me to pray, hope and not worry. For the strength to trust in God and to not dwell on my worldly worries. Pray for me.

Saint Paul, help me to cultivate continual and deep conversion of heart. Pray for me.

Saint John, thank you for your example of love and trust in Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life; help me to always keep this central in my heart and mind. Pray for me.

Saint Therese of Lisieux, lead me in your “little way” to develop simple trust in Jesus and to be able to do even the smallest things in love. Pray for me.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, you feel important to me for reasons I can’t really name, but I thank you for your presence on a necklace chain in the early years of my life. Pray for me.

Saint Dymphna, for perseverance in my struggles with anxiety and for trust to know that I will be ok in any of those tough situations. Pray for me.

Jesus, help me to cultivate these holy friendships and to turn to them in moments of need as they help lead me back to You. In your name, Amen.

Copyright 2020 Sara Caporaletti