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Acts of Faith, Hope & Charity

3 min
Sign of the Cross

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

In nómine Patris, et Fílii, et Spíritus Sancti. Amen.

Act of Faith

O my God, I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three Divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. I believe that Thy Divine Son became man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, who canst neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen.

Domine Deus, firma fide credo et confiteor omnia et singula quae sancta Ecclesia Catholica proponit, quia Tu, Deus, ea omnia revelasti, qui es aeterna veritas et sapientia quae nec fallere nec falli potest. Amen.

Act of Hope

O my God, relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.

Domine Deus, spero per gratiam Tuam remissionem omnium peccatorum, et post hanc vitam aeternam felicitatem me esse consecuturum: quia Tu promisisti, qui es infinitae veritatis et bonitatis. Amen.

Act of Charity

O my God, I love Thee above all things with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and I ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen.

Domine Deus, amo Te super omnia et proximum meum propter Te, quia Tu es summum bonum ac omni dilectione dignissimum. Ex toto corde amo Te, et propter Te amo proximum meum sicut me ipsum. Amen.

About this prayer

The three theological virtue prayers — Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity — affirming the foundational dispositions of the Christian soul. Traditionally prayed together as a morning offering or preparation for confession.

History

These three acts have been staples of Catholic devotion since the medieval period, corresponding to the three theological virtues defined by St. Paul (1 Corinthians 13) and systematized by St. Thomas Aquinas. They were standard catechetical prayers taught to every Catholic child.

How to pray it

Pray these three acts slowly, letting each affirmation sink into your heart. They are especially fitting in the morning, before Mass, or as a preparation for confession.

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