The oldest litany of the Church. The leader calls on the saints by name and everyone answers.
A long call and answer prayer in which the Church on earth asks the Church in heaven for help: Mary, the angels, the apostles, the martyrs and the holy men and women, each by name.
When: At the Easter Vigil before baptisms, at ordinations and religious professions, on All Saints, on Rogation days, and in times of grave need. Any family can pray it on a hard day.
Why: No one prays alone. Calling the saints by name reminds us they are alive in Christ and on our side, and it ends by asking Christ himself to deliver us and hear us.