# Anima Christi – A Prayer of St. Ignatius
*2015-07-31*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola and leads listeners in the ancient prayer Anima Christi, asking Christ to sanctify, protect, and guide us.

## Feast of St. Ignatius

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today is Friday, July 31st, the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556). Ignatius began his life as a soldier, was wounded by a cannonball, and while convalescing turned to the Scriptures. His conversion led him to found the Society of Jesus, and centuries later one of his own Jesuits, Pope Francis, became the first Jesuit pope.

## The Anima Christi Prayer

Let us pray the ancient prayer Anima Christi, which St. Ignatius cherished:

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 malicious one protect me.
At the hour of my death call me, and in the presence of Thy glory lead me to praise You with all the saints forever and ever. Amen.

## Closing Blessing

May God bless you all. Have a great Friday.

*May the prayer of Anima Christi draw us ever closer to the love and protection of Christ.*