Spiritual Communion

Catholics are encouraged to part take in the practice of “spiritual communion” when they are unable to receive the Eucharist for a particular reason (for example being homebound). Very simply it is coming before God in prayer and expressing our own deep desire to be united to Him despite our inability to receive Him in the Eucharist.

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This spiritual communion can be made in various ways. One way of doing so involves spending a dedicated time of prayer and reflection on the Mass readings.

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One of the most common and simple ways of doing this is reciting the prayer written by St. Alphonsus Liguori:

 

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

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Amen.

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