Anima Christi Prayer: Full Catholic Text, Meaning & When to Say It
The Anima Christi — Soul of Christ — is one of the most beloved prayers in Catholic life. Catholics pray it before Holy Communion, after Confession, and in moments of spiritual need.
Anima Christi (Soul of Christ) is an Eucharistic prayer — "Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me..." — prayed after Communion or during adoration. Though often linked to St. Ignatius, it predates him; it asks Christ's Passion to transform the soul.
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 wicked foe, defend me.
At 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.
Each line of the Anima Christi asks Christ to act on the soul through his Passion — sanctifying, saving, washing, and defending. It is a prayer of total trust in the Person of Jesus, not merely a formula.
When Catholics Pray the Anima Christi
- Before receiving Holy Communion (after the Agnus Dei at Mass).
- After the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- During Eucharistic adoration or a holy hour.
- At the bedside of the dying, asking Christ to call the soul home.