Act of Faith (Authorized for use in England)

O my God, We firmly believe that you are one God in three divine persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We believe that your divine Son became man And died for our sins, And that He will come to judge the living and the dead.

We believe these and all the truths Which the holy Catholic Church teaches, Because You have revealed them.

In this belief, we wish to live and die, As You have said, “He who believes shall be saved; He who does not believe shall be condemned.”

Amen.

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The emergence of Act of Faith (Authorized for use in England)

The Act of Faith is a traditional prayer that expresses belief in God and His divine providence. This prayer has been used by Catholics for centuries as a way to affirm their faith and trust in God’s love and mercy.

The prayer, as used in England, is taken from the Maryvale Institute’s Program of Catholic Formation, which is authorized for use in the Catholic Church in England and Wales. It reflects the Catholic Church’s longstanding tradition of prayer and devotion, and is a way for Catholics to affirm their faith and commitment to the teachings of the Church.

Although the exact origins of the Act of Faith are unclear, it is believed to have developed in the early centuries of Christianity as a way to express belief in God’s love and providence. The prayer was further developed during the Middle Ages, with the establishment of various forms of Catholic devotion and prayer.

Today, the Act of Faith remains an important prayer in the Catholic Church, offering comfort and reassurance to those who seek to deepen their spiritual connection with God. 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 God’s love and mercy.