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Sub Tuum Praesidium

The Sub tuum praesidium ("We fly to thy patronage") is the oldest known prayer to Mary; a Greek version survives on an Egyptian papyrus usually dated to the third or fourth century.

We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God. Despise not our petitions in our necessities: but deliver us from all dangers, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin.

Latin

Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, sancta Dei Genitrix; nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus nostris; sed a periculis cunctis libera nos, semper Virgo gloriosa et benedicta.

Latin from the Manual of Prayers (1889)

From the Key of Heaven (1901)

Also on Prayers to Mary

Questions

Who wrote it?

The oldest known prayer to Mary, from about the 3rd century.

Is there a Latin version?

Yes, under the English on this page.

Can I print it?

Yes. Print card prints one prayer on its own page, ready to fold or frame. Large print makes the text bigger across the whole site.