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Act of Charity

The Act of Charity is one of the fundamental prayers in Catholic catechesis, expressing love for God above all things and for one's neighbor as oneself. While its roots are ancient, the popular formulation is often associated with Saint Alphonsus Liguori. It is prayed to renew one's commitment to the theological virtue of charity.

Also known as: Act of Love

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; and for Thy sake I love my neighbor as myself. Amen.

When to pray

It is customarily prayed daily, as part of morning or night prayers, or before receiving the sacraments, to renew the virtue of charity.

Latin text

Deus meus, amo Te ex toto corde meo super omnia, quia es infinite bonus et dignus qui améris; et propter Te amo proximum meum sicut meipsum. Amen.

Origin

The Act of Charity is a traditional Catholic prayer expressing love for God above all things and for one's neighbor as oneself. It is one of the "Acts" (of Faith, Hope, Charity, and Contrition), which are foundational in Catholic catechesis. Its current form was popularized through catechisms and prayer books over centuries, without a single documented author. It serves as a core prayer in personal devotion and preparation for the sacraments.

In other languages

Ato de Caridade (Português) · Acto de Caridad (Español) · Atto di Carità (Italiano) · Akt Miłości (Polski) · Gawa ng Pag-ibig (Tagalog)

Prayers