Beloved of Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Anima Christi — Soul of Christ

Older than him (14th century); he recommends it in the Spiritual Exercises

LatinEnglish

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.

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 unto Thee, that with Thy saints I may praise Thee for ever and ever.

Amen.

SourceBeloved of Saint Ignatius of Loyola · Older than him (14th century); he recommends it in the Spiritual Exercises

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The history of this prayer

Many people think the Anima Christi is by St Ignatius, but the prayer is older: it was already in circulation in the early fourteenth century, and some link it to Pope John XXII, who attached indulgences to it. It appears in manuscripts and books of hours of the period, and even in an inscription at the Alcázar of Seville.

St Ignatius of Loyola loved it and recommends it in the colloquies of the Spiritual Exercises, which is why it is usually printed at the front of the book. It is prayed above all after Communion, asking Christ, whose Body and Blood we have just received, to hide us in his wounds.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote the Anima Christi?

The author is unknown. The prayer dates from the fourteenth century, before St Ignatius, who popularized it through the Spiritual Exercises.

When should the Anima Christi be prayed?

The custom is after Communion, in thanksgiving, but it may be prayed at any time, especially before the Blessed Sacrament.

What does “Blood of Christ, inebriate me” mean?

It asks that Christ's love fill us until it draws us out of ourselves, like the new wine of the Apostles at Pentecost.

More prayers: Prayers of the saints

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