Anima Christi, sanctifica me

A 14th-century prayer to Christ, often said after receiving Holy Communion.

The Anima Christi (Soul of Christ) is a beloved medieval prayer addressed to Christ, asking Him to sanctify, save, and protect the soul. It is traditionally prayed after receiving Holy Communion and is incorporated into St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises.

The Prayer

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.
Let me never be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me come to Thee,
that with Thy Saints I may praise Thee
forever and ever.
Amen.

About This Prayer

The Anima Christi dates to the early 14th century, though it is often attributed to St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556), who loved and recommended it. It addresses Christ in a series of bold petitions — body, blood, soul, passion — and ends with the longing for eternal union with Christ and his saints.

How to pray the Anima Christi

You can pray these words in thanksgiving after Holy Communion, during adoration, or in quiet personal prayer. Read slowly and pause at a line that speaks to your need. Imagine sitting quietly in church after a tiring week: you do not have to explain everything at once. Begin by asking Jesus to draw you closer.

What do its unusual words mean?

“Sanctify me” asks Christ to make us holy. “Inebriate me” is poetic language asking to be filled with his love, not a request for drunkenness. “Within Thy wounds, hide me” expresses trust in the Saviour who suffered for us. The prayer ends by asking to remain with him, through death and into eternal life.

The Anima Christi was already known before St. Ignatius. Its association with his Spiritual Exercises does not mean that he composed it. Learn more through Loyola Press’s reflection on the Anima Christi.

Continue with the Our Father, or choose another prayer from our Catholic prayer collection.