Where did the Anima Christi Prayer Originate From?
The Anima Christi prayer is a medieval prayer from the 14th century. It was written by an unknown author and was a favorite of St. Ignatius of Loyola. It is a beautiful prayer after holy communion of adoration and petition. This prayer recited after receiving Holy Communion is beautiful and assists the soul in worthy reception of Our Lord 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.
Prayer before Receiving Holy Communion in Mass
Also pray this Christ-centered prayer before holy communion.
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
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
“One of the most admirable effects of Holy Communion is to preserve the soul from sin, and to help those who fall through weakness to rise again. It is much more profitable, then, to approach this divine Sacrament with love, respect, and confidence, than to remain away through an excess of fear and scrupulosity.” St. Ignatius of Loyola
Additional Prayers
The “Offering of Self” Prayer from St. Ignatius of Loyola
Pray this short prayer to make an offering of Self from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
The 3 O’Clock Prayer for the Divine Mercy
Pray the 3 o’clock prayer for the Divine Mercy that Jesus asked us to pray, contemplating Jesus’ hour of death as we beg mercy, especially for sinners.
Direct Me from Aimlessness to Quiet Stability
“Direct Me from Aimlessness to Quiet Stability” – join us for our 32nd meditation on the 35 virtues of St. Hildegard of Bingen.
A Prayer to have a Big Heart for Others
This prayer by St. Faustina asks God to help you have a big heart for others, a merciful heart for those in need, a heart like Jesus.
15 Minutes before the Blessed Sacrament
Pray this guided prayer and spend 15 minutes before the Blessed Sacrament with this meditation to contemplate Jesus and grow your love for Him.
Prayer to Mary at the Foot of the Cross
The official nine-year novena prayer by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of the Archdiocese of Denver for the Jubilee Year of Our Salvation in 2033.