Anima Christi
Updated: Oct 3
The Anima Christi, "Soul of Christ, sanctify me," dates from the early fourteenth century. Its author is unknown, though it was long associated with St. Ignatius of Loyola, who loved it and placed it at the beginning of his Spiritual Exercises. Each short line turns to a part of Christ's sacred humanity, His Soul, Body, Blood, the water from His side, and His Passion, and asks for grace from it.
It is traditionally prayed after receiving Holy Communion, as a thanksgiving while Jesus is sacramentally present within us. It is also well suited to Eucharistic adoration, to the Fridays of Lent, and to the hour of death, since it closes by asking Jesus to call us to Himself so that we may praise Him with His saints forever.
The Prayer
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. Suffer me not to be separated from Thee. From the malignant enemy defend me. In the hour of my death call me. And bid me come to Thee, that with Thy saints I may praise Thee forever and ever. Amen.
Sources: Anima Christi, traditional English; public domain.
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