These acts are foundational, laid out in the catechism, invoking the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. These virtues are called theological because, as St Thomas Aquinas taught, they have God for their object. Pope Benedict XIV in 1756 attached an indulgence to these prayers. They are recommended to be regularly recited by every Catholic, especially for memorization by those in catechism class or for converts to the Faith. Many prayer books include these prayers in the list of morning prayers for beginning the day.
Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity in Latin with English translations based on Latin texts rather than common modern usage.
Actus Fidei | Act of Faith
Domine Deus, firma fide credo et confiteor omnia et singula quæ sancta ecclesia Catholica proponit, quia tu, Deus, ea omnia revelasti, qui es aeterna veritas et sapientia quae nec fallere nec falli potest. In hac fide vivere et mori statuo. Amen.
Oh Lord my God, with a firm faith I believe and confess each and every thing that the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou, my God, has revealed all these things, who is eternal truth and wisdom, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. In this faith, I resolve to live and to die. Amen.
St Augustine taught in response to those who say they wish to see in order to believe that they must first believe so that they may see, for as the prophet said, “Unless ye believe ye shall not understand.” We believe because God, who is Truth Himself, has revealed these things.
Actus Spei | Act of Hope
Domine Deus, spero per gratiam tuam remissionem omnium peccatorum, et post hanc vitam æternam felicitatem me esse consecuturum: quia tu promisisti, qui es infinite potens, fidelis, benignus, et misericors. In hac spe vivere et mori statuo. Amen.
Oh Lord my God, I hope through Thy grace to obtain the forgiveness of all my sins and after this life eternal happiness, because Thou hast promised, who is infinitely powerful, faithful, kind, and merciful. In this hope, I resolve to live and to die. Amen.
In the Act of Hope, we hope for all that we need to obtain the vision of God in heaven.
Actus Caritatis | Act of Charity
Domine Deus, amo te super omnia proximum meum propter te, quia tu es summum, infinitum, et perfectissimum bonum, omni dilectione dignum. In hac caritate vivere et mori statuo. Amen.
Oh Lord my God, I love Thee above all things and love my neighbor because of Thee, because Thou art the greatest, infinite, and most-perfect Good, worthy of all my love. In this charity, I resolve to live and to die. Amen.
Charity is the unique virtue that God particularly identifies with His very Being–God is Charity. In heaven as St Paul explains all that will remain is Charity.