What is Spiritual Communion?

        For someone unable to attend Holy Mass and receive Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, the Church encourages the practice of making an act of Spiritual Communion.

           St. Thomas Aquinas describes Spiritual Communion as “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and lovingly embrace Him” in circumstances when we cannot actually receive Him.

           Pope St. John Paul II taught that an act of Spiritual Communion “has been a wonderful part of Catholic life for centuries and recommended by saints who were masters of the spiritual life.”

 Prayer to make an act of Spiritual Communion

         My Jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I long for You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You have already come, I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You; never permit me to be separated from You.  Amen.