One of the oldest prayers after communion

In the Catholic Church, there is a tradition of praying before and after communion, reflecting on the mystery that is received.

It is a tradition that appears to have ancient roots, such as this prayer by Pectorius of Autun.

The prayer was found as an inscription on a marble tablet, and highlights the early faith of Christians in the Eucharist and how they would sometimes use cryptic language in their messages.

Divine race of the heavenly fish preserve a pure hearthaving received among mortals the immortal source of Divine waters.
Refresh, O friend, thy soul with the ever-flowing waters of treasure-bestowing wisdom.
Receive the sweet food of the Savior of the Saints, eat with delight holding the fish in thy hands.

The prayer uses the word “fish” in place of Jesus or the Eucharist and relates an early Christian tradition of receiving the Eucharist in the hands.

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