Prayer after Mass

The Anima Christi, “Soul of Christ,” dates from the early fourteenth century. It was a favorite
of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who placed it at the beginning of his Spiritual Exercises, and the
Roman Missal printed it among the prayers of thanksgiving offered to the priest after Mass,
so that priest and people alike could make it their own.

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 death call me, and bid me come to
Thee, that with Thy saints I may praise Thee forever and ever. Amen.

After every Low Mass, by order of Pope Leo XIII, the priest knelt at the foot of the altar with the

people to recite the Leonine Prayers for the Church. The faithful then left the church quietly, carrying

the graces of the Mass into the day. A good custom is to make a brief resolution before leaving,

some small act of charity or self-denial to be offered that day in thanksgiving for the Sacrifice

at which one has assisted.