Act of Love

The Act of Love, also called the Act of Charity, is one of the four traditional "acts" every Catholic once learned by heart, along with the Acts of Faith, Hope, and Contrition. It expresses the greatest commandment: to love God above all things, with our whole heart and soul, and to love our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. Because charity is the queen of the virtues, the saints recommended making this act often.

Pray it each morning as part of your daily offering, before receiving Holy Communion, after confession, or when you find it hard to forgive someone. It is also a good prayer at the bedside of the dying. Short and simple, it is ideal to memorize and teach to children preparing for First Communion.

The Prayer

O my God, I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen.

Sources: Traditional Act of Love/Charity; Baltimore Manual tradition, public domain.

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