Anima Christi Prayer
We were so thrilled that we could enter the Blessed Sacrament Church grounds on 28 Feb 2021. Many of the churches have closed their main gates and we have been able to only peek in from outside.
We have not visited this church for quite a while since their renovation some years ago and were happy to stay a while to reacquaint ourselves with this sanctuary nestled in the Tanglin Halt neighbourhood.
As a child, Loving Husband attended the church’s kindergarten, which is still running today. We affectionately called this the “zoo church” as there was a sizeable menagerie of exotic birds & animals kept on church grounds. This feature of the church is no longer there.
Prayer Grotto 
interesting architecture:tent-like roof
Considering the name of the church, I think of the Body of Christ, which then leads me to the Anima Christi, a prayer offered at the beginning of the Spiritual Exercises developed by St Ignatius of Loyola.
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 For ever and ever. Amen.
~ Anima Christi, St Ignatius of Loyola ~
This post is my contribution to Becky’s Squares, hosted by Becky at LifeOfB.
Touring My Backyard 
Dear Ju-Lyn — I am slowly making my way through my emails, and I’ve been delighted to read your posts! I’ve been loathe to write when I’m so far behind, but this post broke through my reserve: I very much appreciated the Anima Christi. I’ve never read it before and didn’t know about its connection Saint Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises. I want to make the Examen a more regular part of my life. Perhaps this is the gateway?
LikeLike
I know the “catch-up” feeling very well. But I have to say that I am thrilled that you are reading my posts from way back. Sometimes I nostalgically look at back posts to give them some love – so it really feels great that you are also now giving them time & attention.
One of the best things of belonging to a Jesuit parish is the closeness we are to St Ignatius, his beautiful prayers and of course, the Spiritual Exercises. If I may, this is site I go to for inspiration and reflection:
https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/
LikeLike
I love this prayer. This is so beautiful. Thank you for this. Keep safe always ✨
LikeLike
I am so glad this prayer touches you.
Good week ahead: be safe & well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
wonderful childhood memories – so glad you were able to go inside
LikeLike
It was a precious time of reminiscing. And we were so happy to be able to walk through the grounds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
wonderful 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting architecture.
And the song is familiar as it’s often sang at communion here.
Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Thank you for taking the time to share in my visit to the church.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do you know why it was built that way? Really interesting architecture.
LikeLike
As far as I can find: “The roof is said to symbolise the “tent of meeting” mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, and covers the main sanctuary, built in a cruciform shape. The roof is also designed with integrated glass panels, where the four points of the cruciform meet to allow natural light into the sanctuary”
https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1080_2010-08-04.html#:~:text=Architecture%20of%20church%20building,the%20shape%20of%20a%20tent.
LikeLike
Very beautiful! And lovely that your husband has childhood memories of going to school there.
LikeLike
The places which remain special to us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a beautiful church. Too bad they don’t have the animal on the grounds anymore.
LikeLike
We visited the animal menagerie loads when the girls were younger. It was really good fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure it was!
LikeLiked by 1 person