Act of Faith # 3

Lord Jesus,
eternal and infallible Truth,
since Thou hast said that
Thou art really present in the holy Eucharist,
I believe it firmly.
Yes, this Host which I see,
and which I am to receive,
is not bread,
but the living Body of Jesus Christ,
God and Man:
it is the God Whom the Angels adore in heaven;
I believe it.
I do not understand this Mystery,
but I wish to believe it without seeking to penetrate it,
that I may have the happiness
of seeing and contemplating it one day in heaven.
Strengthen it so lively,
that I may honour Thee,
love Thee,
and receive Thee,
as if I already beheld Thee.

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Deeper understanding of Act of Faith # 3

The Act of Faith #3 is a Catholic prayer that expresses belief in the Holy Spirit, who is the third person of the Trinity. It is a way for Catholics to affirm their faith in the Holy Spirit’s role in the life of the Church and in each person’s spiritual journey.

The prayer is one of four Acts of Faith, also known as the Four Articles of Faith, that were formulated by the Council of Trent in the sixteenth century. The Council of Trent was a response to the Protestant Reformation and was held to address various issues related to faith and doctrine in the Catholic Church.

The Acts of Faith were formulated as a way to clarify and reinforce Catholic teachings on faith, and were widely taught during the Counter-Reformation.

The Act of Faith #3 specifically affirms belief in the Holy Spirit as the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, and who is worshipped and glorified together with them. The prayer acknowledges the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding the Church and each person’s spiritual journey, and in transforming our lives through grace and sanctification.

Today, the Act of Faith #3 remains an important prayer in the Catholic Church, offering comfort and reassurance to those who seek to deepen their spiritual connection with the Holy Spirit. It is often included in Catholic prayer books and is recited daily by Catholics around the world as a way to affirm their faith in the Holy Trinity and the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.