spiritual communion

You may be missing the opportunity to come to church and receive Holy Communion. There is another way to receive the benefits of the sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and that is to make a spiritual communion. This is a prayer that we can say if we would like to be present but cannot: in these strange times because the churches are closed, or if we are ill or prevented in some way from travelling.

St Thomas Aquinas defines Spiritual Communion as “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Holy Sacrament and a loving embrace as though we had already received Him.”

You might say this prayer as part of your regular daily prayers, or whilst watching a live stream or video of a Eucharist from one of the churches that are able to upload these. (This is a modern language version of the prayer of St Alphonsus Liguori.)

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though you were already here, I embrace you and unite myself wholly to you; permit not that I should ever be separated from you. Amen.