Anima Christi

Use: General
Required Resources: SATB choir
Language: Latin, English

The beautiful text Anima Christi (Soul of Christ) sometimes attributed to Saint Ignatius of Loyola is here set by Calvert Shenk in a comfortable call-and-response format. A cantor sings each Latin phrase in chant-style, followed by a choral setting of the same phrase in English. Most choral phrases are set in SATB format, but a few are sung only by SA voices or TB voices.

The noble text of this anthem, recommeded to the faithful by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, was already known in the fourteenth century. The English translation is by John Henry Cardinal Newman. It is included in the Missal of Pope Paul VI as a thanksgiving prayer after communion.

CNP's setting by Calvert Shenk, Director of Music and Associate Professor at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, would make an ideal choral piece during Communion or as a meditation afterwards.