Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, Sanctify Me

The Anima Christi is a beloved medieval prayer asking Jesus to transform us completely. Its name comes from the first words in Latin: "Anima Christi, sanctifica me" (Soul of Christ, sanctify me).

This prayer is traditionally prayed after receiving Holy Communion, when Jesus is most intimately present to us. St. Ignatius of Loyola loved it so much that he placed it at the beginning of his Spiritual Exercises.

Anima Christi - English

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 Your wounds, hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from You.
From the malicious enemy, defend me.
In the hour of my death, call me
and bid me come to You,
that with Your saints I may praise You
forever and ever.

Amen.

Anima Christi - Latin

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.

Amen.

Understanding the Anima Christi

Each line of this prayer is rich with meaning:

  • "Soul of Christ, sanctify me" — We ask that Christ's soul make us holy
  • "Body of Christ, save me" — The Eucharist brings salvation
  • "Blood of Christ, inebriate me" — May we be "drunk" with divine love
  • "Water from the side of Christ" — Refers to the blood and water from His pierced side (John 19:34)
  • "Within Your wounds, hide me" — We seek refuge in Christ's sacrifice
  • "Permit me not to be separated from You" — Fear of losing God's grace
  • "In the hour of my death, call me" — We ask for a holy death

When to Pray the Anima Christi

  • After Holy Communion — The most traditional time
  • During Adoration — Before the Blessed Sacrament
  • Before Confession — Preparing to encounter Christ's mercy
  • During Meditation — As a starting point for prayer
  • At any time — When you desire closeness with Jesus

History

The Anima Christi dates to the early 14th century. Though its author is unknown, it became widely popular throughout medieval Europe. Pope John XXII (1316-1334) attached an indulgence to it.

St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) helped spread the prayer by placing it at the very beginning of his Spiritual Exercises, recommending it for meditation. Many saints have prayed it including St. Teresa of Ávila and St. Francis Xavier.

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