​A Litany of Women for the Church

from Joan Chittister, OSB

Adapted from Benetvision – Benedictine Sisters of Erie, PA

We call on the holy women

who went before us,

channels of Your Word

in testaments old and new,

to intercede for us

so that we might be given the grace

to become what they have been

for the honor and glory of God.

Saint Esther, who pleaded against power for the liberation of the people, pray for us.

Saint Judith, who routed the plans of men and save the community, pray for us.

Saint Deborah, laywoman and judge, who led the people of God, pray for us.

Saint Elizabeth of Judea, who recognized the value of another woman, pray for us.

Saint Mary Magdalene, minister of Jesus, first evangelist of the Christ, pray for us.

Saint Scholastica, who taught her brother Benedict to honor the spirit above the system, pray for us.