Spiritual Communion

When we cannot receive Holy Communion, whether because of illness, distance, travel, or some other reason, the Church encourages us to make a spiritual communion: an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Eucharist and to welcome Him into our hearts. St. Thomas Aquinas described it as a desire for the Sacrament, and the Council of Trent praised it. The form given here is based on the well-known prayer of St. Alphonsus Liguori.

Pray it while watching a livestreamed Mass, during Eucharistic adoration, when you are unable to receive Communion at Mass, or at any moment of the day. Many saints made spiritual communions dozens of times a day as a simple way to stay close to Christ. It is also a good prayer for those preparing for First Communion or for reception into the Church.

The Prayer

My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love Thee above all things, and I desire to receive Thee into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace Thee as if Thou wert already there and unite myself wholly to Thee. Never permit me to be separated from Thee. Amen.

Sources: Traditional Spiritual Communion (St. Alphonsus form widely circulated in PD manuals), public domain.

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