# Anima Christi: The Soul of Christ prayer and the Shield of the Trinity
*2016-07-30*

> Bill Young reflects on the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and explores the theological precision of the Shield of the Trinity before praying the Anima Christi.

## The Conversion of St. Ignatius

Today is the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola. For those who may not know his story, he began his life as a military man. After being injured in battle, he spent his recuperation reading books about the saints. This period of reflection led to his conversion, and he decided to devote the rest of his life to serving our Lord.

## Understanding the Trinity

St. Ignatius was very prayerful regarding the Trinity. I have been researching a symbol called the Trinity Triangle, or the Shield of the Trinity. It is a helpful way to visualize our faith: the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. Conversely, God is the Father, God is the Son, and God is the Holy Spirit. However, the Father is not the Son, the Father is not the Holy Spirit, the Son is not the Father, the Son is not the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is not the Father, and the Holy Spirit is not the Son. It represents three individual persons in one God.

## The Anima Christi Prayer

In honor of St. Ignatius, let us pray the 'Soul of Christ' (Anima Christi). 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, heal me. Blood of Christ, drench me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. Good Jesus, hear me. In your wounds, shelter me. From turning away, keep me. From the evil one, protect me. At the hour of my death, call me. Into your presence, lead me, to praise you with all the saints forever and ever. Amen. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

*Through the examples of St. Ignatius and the precision of the Shield of the Trinity, we are reminded of the profound mystery of the Triune God and the healing power of Christ's Passion.*