The prayer was written in 1797 by an Italian Jesuit, Fr Luigi Felici, as an act of reparation for blasphemy and swearing. The idea was simple: where God’s name is insulted, bless it. Over the next two centuries popes added new lines, so the prayer carries a little history of Catholic devotion inside it.
Historical Context
Later additions include the lines for the Immaculate Conception, the Sacred Heart, St Joseph, the Assumption, the Precious Blood and, in 1964, the Holy Spirit the Paraclete.
The Divine Praises
Blessed be God.
Blessed be his Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be his Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be his Most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in his angels and in his saints.
Amen.
How to Use It
The Divine Praises are said after Benediction, usually with the priest leading and the people repeating each line. They can also be prayed privately: when you hear God’s name used carelessly, in front of the tabernacle, or as a short act of praise at any time of day.
A Short Prayer of Reparation
Lord, for every time your name is used in anger or as a curse,
including by me,
I bless it now.
Blessed be your holy name.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- At Benediction and Eucharistic adoration.
- When you hear God’s name used carelessly.
- On 3 January, the optional memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus.
Scripture Connection
“Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.” — Psalm 113:2
The Psalms bless God’s name over and over. The Divine Praises continue that tradition, adding the names the Church came to know through Christ: Jesus, his Heart, his Blood, his Mother and his saints.
Related prayers
For more on the Eucharist, see the Sacrament Prayer and Easter Communion Prayer. For a short devotion, O My Jesus.