Spiritual communion is a spiritual union with God and the Christian community. It is expressed through a personal relationship with God, participation in the life and worship of the Church, and service to others in the example of Jesus. Prayer, reflection, and participation in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, can nurture this union.
Spiritual Communion Prayer
My Jesus,
I believe that you are truly present
in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the altar.
I love you above all things
and desire to receive you into my soul.
But since I cannot now receive you sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
As though you were already there,
I embrace you and unite myself wholly to you.
Lord, never permit me
to be separated from you. Amen.
(Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori)
At your feet, O my Jesus,
I bow and offer you
the repentance of my contrite heart,
which is humbled before your most holy presence.
I adore you in the sacrament of your love,
the ineffable Eucharist,
and desire to receive you in the poor dwelling
that my soul offers you.
Awaiting the joy of sacramental communion,
I desire to possess you in spirit.
Come to me, for I come to you,
O my Jesus;
may your love inflame my whole being
in life and in death.
I believe in you and hope in you.
Amen.
(Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val)
What Is Spiritual Communion?
There are many reasons why we may be unable to participate in the Eucharist at Mass. We may be ill, unable to leave home because of unforeseen circumstances, or seeking to unite ourselves to God in the midst of daily work.
When we cannot receive Holy Communion, the Church encourages an act of spiritual communion: a prayerful way of uniting ourselves with God. It expresses our desire to be united with Christ when we cannot complete that union through receiving the Eucharist sacramentally.
Many saints made this prayer part of daily life, desiring not to limit their union with Jesus to weekly or even daily reception of the Eucharist. For them, spiritual communion was an essential practice that drew them closer to God throughout the day.
For example, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina often prayed an act of spiritual communion several times a day in addition to participating in Mass. He desired to remain united to Jesus Christ in everything he did.