🍷 Anima Christi – Soul of Christ

The Anima Christi is a beautiful and profound prayer that is traditionally said after receiving Holy Communion. This prayer, which begins with "Soul of Christ, sanctify me," invites us to unite ourselves completely with Christ and to ask for His grace and protection. It is a powerful expression of our desire to be transformed by Christ and to live in union with Him.

The Anima Christi Prayer

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.

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 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.

When to Pray the Anima Christi

• After Communion - Traditionally prayed after receiving the Eucharist
• During Eucharistic Adoration - To unite yourself with Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament
• Personal Prayer - As a daily devotion to grow closer to Christ
• Before Sleep - To entrust yourself to Christ's protection during the night
• In Times of Temptation - To ask for Christ's help and protection
• During Spiritual Communion - When you cannot receive Communion sacramentally
• Before Death - To prepare for the final journey to Christ

Meaning and Significance

Union with Christ

The Anima Christi expresses our desire to be completely united with Christ in every aspect of His being.

Protection

It asks for Christ's protection from evil and for His guidance throughout our lives.

Transformation

It seeks to be transformed by Christ's grace and to grow in holiness.

Eternal Life

It expresses our hope to be with Christ forever in heaven with all the saints.

Historical Background

The Anima Christi has a rich spiritual history:

• Medieval Origin - The prayer dates back to the 14th century
• St. Ignatius of Loyola - He popularized this prayer and included it in his Spiritual Exercises
• Jesuit Tradition - It became a favorite prayer of the Jesuits and their spiritual practices
• Popular Devotion - It has been widely used by the faithful for centuries
• Liturgical Use - It is often used during Eucharistic Adoration and after Communion

The Anima Christi is one of the most beloved prayers in the Catholic tradition, expressing the deep desire of the soul to be united with Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Anima Christi is deeply rooted in Scripture:

• John 19:34 - "But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water"
• 1 Corinthians 11:24 - "This is my body which is for you"
• John 6:54 - "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life"
• Romans 8:35 - "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?"
• Psalm 27:1 - "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?"
• Revelation 7:9 - "A great multitude... standing before the throne and before the Lamb"

The Anima Christi draws on biblical images of Christ's Passion, the Eucharist, and our hope for eternal life with Him.