The Anima Christi Prayer, or Soul of Christ Prayer, is a profound 14th-century Catholic devotion traditionally recited after Holy Communion. Translated from its original Latin, this ancient prayer serves as an intimate act of adoration, offering thanksgiving and petitioning Jesus for spiritual protection. Whether you are praying the Anima Christi after receiving the Blessed Sacrament at Mass or contemplating its beautiful lines during a quiet Holy Hour of Eucharistic adoration, this Christ-centered prayer will draw your soul into deeper union with our Divine Redeemer.
Where Did the Anima Christi Prayer Originate?
The Anima Christi prayer was written by an unknown author and was a favorite of St. Ignatius of Loyola. It is a beautiful prayer that assists the soul in worthy reception of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament with true gratitude and love. It is also a wonderful prayer of desire for times when you are unable to receive holy communion. The Anima Christi prayer is also often recited in Eucharistic adoration. Jesus is worthy of our adoration and praise and this beautiful and ancient prayer is a wonderful way to do it.
When the Anima Christi prayer is translated from Latin to English it means “Soul of Christ.” The Anima Christi prayer is a profoundly Christ-centered prayer that is often recited after Holy Communion. In this prayer we call on the Soul of Christ to save us and redeem us and then we praise Him from the depths of our hearts. You can listen to Anima Christi being prayed in Latin by Dylan Drego, a very beautiful language and prayer.
Pray the Anima Christi in English or Latin
Prayer after receiving Holy Communion
Anima Christi Prayer English
SOUL of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Separated from Thee let me never be.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of death, call me.
To come to Thee, bid me,
That I may praise Thee in the company
Of Thy Saints, for all eternity.
Amen.
Anima Christi Prayer Latin
Audio from Boston Catholic Journal
ANIMA Christi, sanctifica me.
Corpus Christi, salva me.
Sanguis Christi, inebria me.
Aqua lateris Christi, lava me.
Passio Christi, conforta me.
O bone Iesu, exaudi me.
Intra tua vulnera absconde me.
Ne permittas me separari a te.
Ab hoste maligno defende me.
In hora mortis meae voca me.
Et iube me venire ad te,
Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem te
in saecula saeculorum.
Amen.
“There is no prayer more agreeable to God, or more profitable to the soul than that which is made during the thanksgiving after Communion.”
– St. Alphonsus Liguori
