THE LITANY OF THE HOLY CROSS

This litany originated in the Middle Ages. It is to be addressed to Jesus Who hung on the cross for our redemption. We hope to receive mercy for our sins.

Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy, Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy
Christ hear us, Christ graciously hear us

God the Father of Heaven
Have mercy on us
God the Son Redeemer of the world
Have mercy on us
God the Holy Ghost our Advocate
Have mercy on us
Holy Trinity one God
Have mercy on us

Holy Cross where the Lamb of God was offered
Save us O Holy Cross
Hope of Christians
Save us O Holy Cross
Pledge of the resurrection of the dead
Save us O Holy Cross
Shelter of persecuted innocence, etc.
Guide of the blind, etc.
Way of those who have gone astray
Staff of the lame
Consolation of the poor
Restraint of the powerful
Destruction of the proud
Refuge of sinners
Trophy of victory over Hell
Terror of demons
Mistress of youth
Succor of the distressed
Hope of the hopeless
Star of the mariner
Harbor of the wrecked
Rampart of the besieged
Father of orphans
Defense of widows
Counsel of the just
Judge of the wicked
Rest of the afflicted
Safeguard of childhood
Strength of manhood
Last hope of the aged
Light of those who sit in darkness
Splendor of kings
Civilizer of the world
Shield impenetrable
Wisdom of the foolish
Liberty of slaves
Knowledge of the ignorant
Sure rule of life
Heralded by prophets
Preached by apostles
Glory of martyrs
Study of hermits
Chastity of virgins
Joy of priests
Foundation of the Church
Salvation of the world
Destruction of idolatry
Stumbling block to the Jews
Condemnation of the ungodly
Support of the weak
Medicine of the sick
Health of the leprous
Strength of the paralytic
Bread of the hungry
Fountain of those who thirst
Clothing of the naked

Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us O Lord
Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of the world, Hear us O Lord
Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us

Christ hear us, Christ graciously hear us
Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy

We adore Thee O Christ and we bless Thee because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Behold the Cross of the Lord! Begone ye evil powers! The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David has conquered! Alleluia!

LET US PRAY

O God, Who for the redemption of the world was pleased to be born in a stable and to die upon a cross, O Lord Jesus Christ by Thy holy sufferings which we Thy unworthy servants call to mind; by Thy Holy Cross and by Thy death deliver us from the pains of Hell and vouchsafe to conduct us where Thou did conduct the good thief who was crucified with Thee, Who lives and reigns eternally in Heaven. Amen

Sweet the wood, sweet the nails, sweet the Burden which thou bearest, for thou alone 0 Holy Cross was worthy to bear the King and Lord of Heaven. Amen