The document discusses the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a liturgical prayer used for various occasions including penitential processions and private devotion. It originated from use at the sanctuary of the House of Loreto in Italy. The litany contains early Christian invocations and is one of the most popular litanies. Historically it was used as a processional prayer to avert calamities and offer atonement, and numerous composers have set it to music.