Church Time

Who was at the forefront of women's right to vote? We know a few famous names, like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, but what about so many others from diverse backgrounds—Black, Asian, Latinx, Native American, and more—who helped lead the fight for suffrage? On the 100th anniversary of the historic win for women's rights, it's time to celebrate the names and stories of the women whose stories have yet to be told.

Since the earliest days of the Church, the faithful have sought divine assistance through the use of the litany, which is an alternating form of prayer. The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Marian litany originally approved in 1587 by Pope Sixtus V. It is also known as the Litany of Loreto from its place of origin, the Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto in Italy. Twelve invocations refer to Mary as Mother whilst six extoll her as Virgin. Thirteen titles are derived from the Old Testament, followed by four calling on her as helper and advocate. The last 13 name Mary as Queen.