Litany of Saint Catherine

[thesmellypocket 1859]

SERVITE DOMINO

 

V: Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice onto him with trembling.

 

R: Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and you perish from the just way.

 

V: When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, blessed are they that trust in him.

 

Kyrie Eleison.

Kyrie Eleison.

Kyrie Eleison.

 

‘Sedes Sapientiae’ (Seat of Wisdom)

 

Saint Catherine was known for her studious nature, honestly and diligently pursuing truth, both natural and supernatural, historical and of her own times. She never forgot the wise maxim ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’ ,for she did not vainly pursue knowledge to impress friends nor to please her family. She was a true Seat of Wisdom, and in hard times was a steady rock of truth, and a witness of justice, for all to see. Her knowledge did not make her more pretentious, but more humble, the mark of true wisdom, as she walked with all peoples and classes to dispense wisdom in the right way. Today, we ask her to be that rock in our own lives, and to secure for us that humility. She did not wear the gaudy and over-rich garments of royalty, but the common dress of a humble servant. We ask her to dress us in that glorious garment of God, and to know true wisdom.

 

O, Holy Catherine. Secure for us a deeper wisdom and understanding of God. Help us to be diligent in our tasks, and to receive joy with humility and joy all hardships, as thou didst. Miserere nobis, Domine!

 

Miserere nobis!

 

Sancta Ecaterina, Sedes Sapientiae, ora pro nobis!

 

‘Consolatrix Afflictorum’ (Comforter of the Afflicted)

 

As she grew into adulthood, Saint Catherine, although of the highest birth, was always there for the poor and afflicted of the city. Sparing nothing for herself, she was in the constant practise of giving alms, demanding nothing yet giving everything. The virtue of Charity animated her, and took her in unexpected directions, as she allowed the spirit of Charity to guide her life and actions. Today, we ask her not only to show the same pity to us here on earth as she showed the people of Felsen, but to animate us to good deeds.

 

O, Holy Catherine. Pray for us, that God may animate us with the same lovely spirit that did give thee the most loving kindness. Pray for our priests, particularly the Holy Pontiff, Daniel the Sixth, and allow that same spirit to possess them entirely. Miserere nobis, Domine!

 

Miserere nobis!

 

Sancta Ecaterina, Consolatrix Afflictorum, ora pro nobis!

 

‘Refugium Peccatorum’ (Refuge of Sinners)

 

‘...My faith demands action, not seclusion. My faith demands a fiery heart that beckons us to serve the good people of the world.’ So wrote Prioress Mother Yuliya of Haense, of the Order of the Blessed Catherine. Whilst not the words of Saint Catherine herself, they might well sum up her attitude, since her mission was not to retreat from the world, nor to beckon others to do so, but to save sinners within it.  In this way, she truly deserves the title, ‘Refuge of Sinners’, for to them she was a holy example, and a plea to confess, repent and seek forgiveness. We, who are sinners, must ask her to obtain from God forgiveness for our sins.

 

O, Holy Catherine. As thou wast the Refuge of Sinners on earth, saving men of all kinds from themselves, hear our pleas to obtain from God that same forgiveness. Be our advocate in Heaven, and help us to resolve never to sin again. Miserere nobis, Domine!

 

Miserere nobis!

 

Sancta Ecaterina, Refugium Peccatorum, ora pro nobis!
 

‘Femina Purissima’ (Woman most Pure)

 

At the age of 13, St. Catherine took an Oath of Purity that she upheld to the day she died, thirty-seven years later. She never once lied, inspiring others by her pure and honest example to do the same. Indeed, it is a certified miracle that her body remained entirely uncorrupted years after her death, and even upon her fiftieth year retained the appearance of youth. It must be that virtue, then, that God wished to show in her, as an example to all men and women of goodwill. Today, we ask Catherine to pray for us, that we may achieve the same purity, and especially for all the thieves and criminals, fornicators and evil-doers, that they may repent and find truth.

 

O, Holy Catherine. As thou didst swear never to lie, so too do we. Help us to uphold our purity, and especially help those who are suffering from a lack of it. Pray to God, that they may be turned to that same untarnished integrity that thou didst embody. Miserere nobis, Domine!

 

Miserere nobis!

 

Sancta Ecaterina, Femina Purissima, ora pro nobis!

 

‘Domina Pacis’ (Lady of Peace)

 

Humility, Wisdom, Kindness, Purity and Charity. All of these virtues might be summarised with one word: Holiness. As her Saintly holiness inspires us to emulate these marvelous virtues, she is also the ideal Saint to pray for Peace, for her legacy of non-violence and lowliness, if surely they ruled the world, would grant Peace both between the nations, and in our own souls. For, as Holy Mother Church has been wise enough to make her Patron of Integrity, we must also look to her as Patron of Peace.

 

O, Holy Catherine. Grant peace to our souls and to our nation. May our rulers be governed by Holiness, and may all the mournful dead of war be carried into Heaven by thy prayers and advocacy. Miserere nobis, Domine!

 

Miserere nobis!

 

Sancta Ecaterina, Domina Pacis, ora pro nobis!

 

Kyrie Eleison,

Kyrie Eleison.

Kyrie Eleison.

 

ECCE QUAM BONUM:

 

V: Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity.

 

R: Like the precious ointment on the head, that ran upon the beard, the beard of Exalted Horen, which ran down to the skirt of his garment:

 

V: As the dew of Aegis, which descendeth upon the greatest mount.

 

R: For there the Lord hath commanded blessing, and life for evermore.

 

Amen.

[thesmellypocket 1859]

APPENDIX: Icons of Saint Catherine.