During the difficult times that we are facing it may not always be possible to receive the Lord in Holy Communion. In these circumstances we can turn to a long held Catholic understanding that when conditions prevent us from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an Act of Spiritual Communion.
Spiritual Communion is something that may not be familiar to some people. It was once defined by St Thomas Aquinas as “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and in lovingly embracing Him as if we had actually received Him.”
So Spiritual Communion is a source of grace that acknowledges our great desire to receive our Lord at a time or in circumstances when we cannot receive Him in sacramental Communion.
The most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot attend Mass. Acts of Spiritual Communion can help to strengthen us in times of trial and to remind us that whatever the circumstances we are held in the loving embrace of our beloved Lord.
Spiritual Communion Prayer
My Jesus,
I believe that you are present in the Holy Sacrament of the altar.
I love you above all things
and I passionately desire to receive you into my soul.
Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally,
come spiritually into my soul
so that I may unite myself wholly to you now and forever. Amen.
Based on a prayer of St Alphonsus Liguori
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