Quick Answer
The most traditional prayer said after Holy Communion in the Catholic Church is the Anima Christi, a 14th century prayer beginning "Soul of Christ, sanctify me." Many Catholics also pray the Prayer of St Thomas Aquinas in Thanksgiving After Communion, or simply rest in silence for a few minutes.
There is no single mandatory prayer. The Roman Missal recommends a time of silent thanksgiving after Communion, and the Church encourages you to use whatever form helps you stay with the moment.
The Anima Christi in Full
This is the standard English text the USCCB publishes for personal use after Communion.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, embolden me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds hide me. Never permit me to be parted from you. From the evil Enemy 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 age upon age. Amen.
The Anima Christi is attributed to an unknown 14th century author and was popularised by St Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century, who placed it at the front of his Spiritual Exercises. That is why it became a default thanksgiving prayer in much of the Western Church.
The Prayer of St Thomas Aquinas in Thanksgiving
For something a little longer and more reflective, the prayer of St Thomas Aquinas is a classic. The opening reads: "I thank You, O holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God, who have deigned, not through any merits of mine, but out of the condescension of Your goodness, to satisfy me a sinner, Your unworthy servant, with the precious Body and Blood of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ." It continues with a request that the Sacrament received be a remedy and protection, and a deepening of faith, hope and charity.
Why Catholics Pray After Communion
The Catechism teaches that in the Eucharist the faithful receive Christ Himself. The minutes after returning to the pew are the most intimate part of the Mass for the communicant. The Church reserves a deliberate silence after the distribution of Communion precisely so each person can pray quietly and personally before the closing prayers begin.
Praying a formal text like the Anima Christi is one option. So is simply talking to Jesus in your own words, thanking Him, asking for something specific you carry into the day, or sitting in silence and letting Him look at you.
A Simple Personal Pattern
If you are new to the practice, this is a workable five minute pattern.
- One minute of silence. Eyes closed, breathing slow, simply notice that He is present.
- The Anima Christi. Pray it slowly, line by line, not as a recitation.
- One specific intention. Name one person or situation by name and offer it.
- A closing thanksgiving. Either the prayer of St Thomas Aquinas or just "Thank You, Jesus, for coming to me today."
Other Prayers Catholics Use
Beyond the two classics, common choices include the Suscipe of St Ignatius ("Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty"), the prayer of St Francis ("Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace"), or simply praying the Memorare for a person you brought to Mass with you in your heart.
What Not to Do
Do not rush out. Do not pull your phone out as soon as you sit down. Do not flip ahead in the missal to the closing announcements. The brief window after Communion is one of the few moments in a busy week where the Church gives you formal permission and structure to sit still with God. Use it.
How Long Should the Thanksgiving Last?
There is no rule. The Roman Missal allows silent thanksgiving "for a suitable time" before the concluding rites. Most parishes leave at least one or two minutes of intentional silence after Communion. Longer is fine; many saints recommended at least fifteen minutes of personal prayer after Mass, either in the church itself or somewhere quiet immediately afterwards.
The practical version: stay in the pew for the rest of the silent moment, then linger another two or three minutes after the final blessing. Do not bolt for the car park the moment the recessional hymn ends. The Eucharist is still working on you; give it the courtesy of a quiet ten minutes.
One Practical Tip
Keep a small holy card with the Anima Christi in your missal or your wallet. The moment you sit down after receiving Communion, slide it out and let the printed words guide you so your mind does not wander. After a few weeks the prayer will be in you and the card becomes a backup.
Bottom Line
The Anima Christi is the most traditional Catholic prayer after Holy Communion, with the Prayer of St Thomas Aquinas as a fuller alternative. Both are valid; both are recommended; neither is mandatory. The point is not which prayer you say but that you stay with Jesus for a few quiet minutes before walking back into the day.
