In a world of social media flexing, our generation continuously flaunt what we have, where we’ve been, and how far we’ve gone. As we navigate this self-promotion era, we can easily fall pray to envy, jealousy, and pride. To rid ourselves of self-righteousness and pride, let us consistently pray the Litany of Humility.

This is not an easy prayer. If we will meditate on the words, it negates all the good feelings that we think we deserve to feel. But the true spirit of humility is being FREE from all human affirmations. True humility is having the GRACE to say YES to God in all circumstances. It does not matter whether we are recognized by men or not.

Our role model for this virtue is none other than our Blessed Virgin Mary, our spiritual mother. She’s the only one who said YES to God in all circumstances without counting the cost.

Let us say the words in this prayer slowly and with conviction…

The Litany of Humility

by Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val (1865-1930)

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.

From the desire of being esteemed,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being extolled,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being honored,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being praised,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being preferred to others,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being consulted,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being approved,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being humiliated,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being despised,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of suffering rebukes,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being calumniated,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being forgotten,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being ridiculed,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being wronged,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being suspected,

Deliver me, Jesus.

That others may be loved more than I,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be chosen and I set aside,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be praised and I unnoticed,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be preferred to me in everything,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.