This litany, written by Benjamin Francis Musser, O.F.M., is intended for private use and is not approved for public use. In writing a litany in honor of the Holy Helpers, the author recalls a devotion not so well known in our own land nor even overseas in recent times. In the Middle Ages however, especially in 14th century Germany, the cult of the Fourteen Auxiliary Saints was enormous, and after the apparitions at Frankenthal, in 1445 and 1446, the devotion spread through Bohemia, Moravia, Galicia, Hungary, Italy, France and thence to America. Formularies of Masses in their honor are found in 15th and 16th century Missals but were abolished by Pope Pius V.
Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, ever-Virgin Mother of God, Pray for us. Saint Joseph, virgin Spouse of the Virgin Mother, Pray for us. Saints Joachim and Ann, parents of the Theotokos, Pray for us. Saint John Baptist, Pray for us. Saint Elizabeth, Pray for us. Ye holy Family and your kinsmen, Pray for us. All ye Saints in the Court of Heaven, Pray for us.
Ye Fourteen Holy Helpers, Auxiliary Saints revered for the efficacy of your intercession at the throne of God, Protect and help them who need help. Ye Helpers in Need, invoked by the sick and those in danger and affliction, Protect and help them who need help. Saint Blase, invoked against diseases of the throat, Protect and help them who need help. Saint George, invoked against herpetic diseases, Protect and help them who need help. Saint Acathius, invoked against headaches, Protect and help them who need help. Saint Christopher, invoked in storms, tempests, plagues, and for avoidance of accidents in traveling, Protect and help them who need help. Saint Pantaleon, invoked against consumption, Protect and help them who need help. Saint Barbara, invoked against lightnings and sudden death, Protect and help them who need help. Saint Denis of Paris, invoked for persons possessed of devils, Protect and help them who need help. Saint Giles, invoked against panic, epilepsy, madness, and nocturnal terrors, Protect and help them who need help. Saint Margaret, invoked against pains in the loins and for expectant mothers, Protect and help them who need help. Saint Erasmus, invoked against diseases of the stomach, Protect and help them who need help. Saint Cyriacus, invoked against diseases of the eye and diabolical possession, Protect and help them who need help. Saint Vitus, invoked against chorea, lethargy, and the bite of venomous or mad beasts, Protect and help them who need help. Saint Eustace, invoked for preservation from fire whether eternal or temporal, Protect and help them who need help. Saint Katherine, invoked by students, Christian philosophers, orators and barristers, Protect and help them who need help. Ye other blessed servants of God, who in sundry places and at various times have been invoked as among the Holy Helpers R. Intercede for the afflicted, help the needy.
St. Magnus of Fiissen, St. Magnus of Altino, Be their help and comfort. St. Nicholas of Myra, St. Leonard the Abbot, Be their help and comfort. St. Oswald the King, St. Quirinus the Martyr, Be their help and comfort. St. Rochus, St. Sebastian, St. Dorothea, Be their help and comfort. All to whom Divine promise was given of a power to help man in his need, Be their help and comfort.
V. Pray for us, ye Fourteen Holy Helpers R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. V. The Saints judge nations, and rule over people: R. And the Lord their God shall reign for ever.
Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast given us to venerate the merits of Thy Saints: we beseech thee through the Fourteen Intercessors to grant us the desired abundance of Thy mercy. Through Thy Son Jesus Christ Our Lord, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost art one God, world without end. R. Amen.
Prayer Source: Kyrie Eleison — Two Hundred Litanies by Benjamin Francis Musser O.F.M., The Magnificat Press, 1944
A blog-writer from 2007 that sent Saint Christopher medals to soldiers in Iraq:
