Divine Praises

The Divine Praises were composed in 1797 by an Italian Jesuit, Fr. Luigi Felici, as an act of reparation for blasphemy and profanity. Over the following century and a half, popes added new lines honoring the Immaculate Conception, the Sacred Heart, St. Joseph, the Assumption, the Precious Blood, and the Holy Spirit. Each line begins with "Blessed be," turning the heart toward God in simple praise.

The Divine Praises are traditionally prayed or sung at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, just before the Host is returned to the tabernacle. You can also pray them privately whenever you hear the Lord's name taken in vain, after Mass, or during a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. Leader and people can alternate, or everyone can repeat each line together.

The Prayer

Blessed be God. Blessed be His Holy Name. Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. Blessed be the Name of Jesus. Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart. Blessed be His Most Precious Blood. Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy. Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception. Blessed be her glorious Assumption. Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse. Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints. Amen.

Sources: The Divine Praises; traditional form, public domain.

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