Exploring the Modern Litany of the Saints A Contemporary Expression of FaithThe Litany of the Saints is one of the most ancient and revered prayers in the Catholic tradition. Traditionally recited during important liturgical ceremonies such as Easter Vigil, ordinations, and canonizations, it invokes the names of saints, asking for their intercession. In recent times, a modern litany of the saints has emerged, reflecting both the timelessness of the original and the evolving face of the Church.
This topic will explore what the modern litany of the saints means, how it differs from the traditional version, its purpose in today’s faith practices, and how believers connect with it.
What Is the Litany of the Saints?
The Litany of the Saints is a structured prayer in the Catholic Church that calls upon holy men and women throughout history. Each saint’s name is followed by the phrase pray for us. It begins with pleas to God for mercy, moves through a list of saints, and concludes with petitions for specific needs.
This form of prayer has roots as early as the third century and is one of the oldest still in use today.
What Makes a Litany Modern?
A modern litany of the saints maintains the same format but includes saints canonized more recently or who reflect the global diversity of the Church. It often highlights
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Saints from the 20th and 21st centuries
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Saints of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds
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Laypeople, married couples, and young people
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Martyrs from modern times
These additions help believers relate to saints who lived in recent memory or who reflect their own life experiences.
Why Update the Litany?
The purpose of a modern litany is not to replace the traditional one but to expand and personalize it. As the Church continues to canonize men and women from around the world, it becomes meaningful to include them in prayer.
Including saints like St. Oscar Romero, St. Gianna Beretta Molla, St. Josephine Bakhita, or St. John Paul II reminds the faithful that holiness is not a thing of the distant past. It also shows that sanctity is possible in every era, culture, and walk of life.
Examples of Modern Saints Often Included
Here are some figures often found in modern versions of the litany
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St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) – Known for her work with the poor in India
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St. Maximilian Kolbe – A martyr who gave his life for another in a Nazi concentration camp
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St. Kateri Tekakwitha – The first Native American saint
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Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin – The canonized parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux
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St. Charles Lwanga and companions – Ugandan martyrs who stood firm in their faith
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St. Benedict Daswa – A South African teacher martyred for opposing witchcraft practices
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St. André Bessette – A humble Canadian brother known for healing the sick
These saints lived in modern times but displayed the same deep faith and love of God seen in early Christian figures.
Structure of a Modern Litany of the Saints
A modern version still begins with the Kyrie Eleison (Lord, have mercy) and includes
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Invocations of the Trinity – A call to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
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Mary and the Apostles – The Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and the original disciples
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Early Church Saints – Traditional saints such as St. Augustine, St. Ambrose, and St. Catherine of Siena
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Modern Saints – Recently canonized figures from different continents and walks of life
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Petitions – Prayers for peace, the Church, the poor, the sick, and all in need
Why the Modern Litany Resonates Today
In today’s complex world, people often seek spiritual guidance that feels close and relevant. Saints who lived through war, political oppression, scientific advancements, or social injustice often feel more accessible to modern believers.
For example
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A doctor may feel inspired by St. Gianna Beretta Molla, who balanced medical work and motherhood.
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Young people may relate to Blessed Carlo Acutis, a teenager passionate about faith and technology.
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Activists may admire St. Oscar Romero for standing up against injustice in El Salvador.
By seeing holy lives lived in familiar contexts, believers are encouraged to see their own lives as a path to sanctity.
How the Modern Litany Is Used in Worship
The modern litany can be used in
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Youth retreats and pilgrimages
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Special Masses or community celebrations
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Feast days of recent saints
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Personal prayer or family devotion
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Canonization anniversaries
Many parishes create their own local versions, including saints important to their culture or history.
Can Anyone Create a Personal Litany?
Yes. While the official Church litanies are approved for liturgical use, anyone can create a personal litany for private devotion. You might include saints who inspire you, whose feast days match your birthday, or who are patrons of your profession or struggles.
This practice strengthens personal connection to the communion of saints and helps believers feel surrounded by a spiritual family.
Litany and Community Identity
A modern litany can also reflect the story of a particular group. A congregation in Africa might include St. Josephine Bakhita or the Ugandan martyrs. A parish in the Americas might highlight saints like St. Rose of Lima or St. Juan Diego.
This allows people to see their own heritage within the broader story of the Church.
Challenges in Adapting the Litany
One challenge is maintaining theological accuracy and balance. While it’s beautiful to add modern saints, the litany should still reflect a range of holy vocations bishops, virgins, martyrs, religious, laypeople, and apostles. Care should also be taken not to make the litany too long or too specific for general use.
The modern litany of the saints reflects the living and growing body of Christ. It connects today’s believers with holy men and women from all backgrounds, reminding us that sainthood is not distant or unattainable. By including contemporary saints, the Church shows that the call to holiness continues in every age.
Whether used in public worship or personal devotion, this updated prayer is a rich way to celebrate the diversity, beauty, and unity of God’s people across time. It invites all of us to walk the same path of faith, love, and service that the saints have walked both ancient and modern.
Would you like an example of a short modern litany you could use for personal prayer?