The Anima Christi
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 malicious enemy defend me. In the hour of my death call me, And bid me come unto thee, That with thy saints I may praise thee For ever and ever. Amen.
Traditional English version.
Pray the Anima Christi every day with a reminder.
Start praying with Rosary & MercyKey takeaways
- It is a short prayer of thanksgiving after receiving Holy Communion.
- It dates to the 14th century; the author is unknown.
- St. Ignatius of Loyola placed it at the start of the Spiritual Exercises.
What is the Anima Christi?
Anima Christi is Latin for "Soul of Christ." The prayer asks Christ to sanctify, save and strengthen us through his soul, body, blood and passion. It was long thought to be by Pope John XXII but is of unknown authorship, and St. Ignatius made it widely known.
When to pray it
Catholics pray it after receiving Communion, during Eucharistic adoration, and before the Blessed Sacrament. It can be prayed anytime as a prayer of closeness to Christ.
Questions people ask
Why "inebriate me"?
The Latin word means to fill with joy, as with wine. It asks to be filled with the life of Christ's blood, not to lose self-control.
Is it the same as the Prayer after Communion?
There is no single required prayer after Communion. The Anima Christi is a popular choice among many Catholics.
What does "within thy wounds hide me" mean?
It asks for refuge in Christ's wounds, a theme from the Song of Songs and the saints. By his wounds we are healed (1 Peter 2:24).
Related prayers
Pray through what you are reading, every day, with a gentle reminder.
Start praying with Rosary & MercySources: 1 Peter 2:24 · Catechism of the Catholic Church 1322-1419 · Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius