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
Let me Never Betray You or Deny You in Life
Lord Jesus Christ, Let me never betray you or deny you in life. May I always love and serve you according to your will for me.
Prayer of Consecration to the Holy Spirit
This prayer of Consecration to the Holy Spirit was written by the Venerable Félix de Jesús Rougier, a (Marist) priest of the Society of Mary who was born in France in 1859.
Ruminating? Pray the Surrender Prayer
When you are plagued with ruminating thoughts of the past or fear of the future, pray the surrender prayer.
Faith in Jesus is Never Doubting but Hoping against Hope
Faith in Jesus Christ is never doubting in my impossible situation but hoping against hope that God will answer my prayer and come to my aid.
Litany of Jesus Christ Priest and Victim by Saint JPII
A prayer for priests, the Litany of Jesus Christ Priest and Victim by Saint JPII, is a meditation on radical self-giving love.
Harden My Resolve and Soften My Heart Jesus
“Harden My Resolve and Soften My Heart Jesus” – Join us in our 19th Lenten reflection for Liturgical Year I