Can’t receive the Eucharist? Here’s how to make a spiritual communion
Saints regularly made an act of spiritual communion when they were unable to receive the Holy Eucharist at Mass.
For several reasons, we may be restricted from receiving the Eucharist at Mass. We may have violated the one-hour fast, been in a state of mortal sin, or we could even be homebound; unable to leave our home to attend Mass. In these cases, the Church urges us to make an act of “spiritual communion;” where we fuse ourselves to God through prayer. It is a wonderful way to express to God our desire to be united with him; when we cannot complete that union in the reception of Holy Communion.
Numerous saints incorporated this type of prayer into their daily lives, not being satisfied with receiving Jesus in the Eucharist once a week or even once a day. Performing an act of spiritual communion for them was a vital part of life and drew them closer to God on a daily basis.
St. Josemaria Escriva urged everyone to perform a spiritual communion as often as they could, “What a source of grace there is in spiritual communion! Practice it frequently, and you’ll have a greater presence of God and closer union with Him in all your actions.”
Also, Saint Padre Pio also had a habit of making a spiritual communion throughout the day outside of the celebration of Mass. He constantly desired to be united with Jesus Christ in everything he did.
Below is a traditional prayer of spiritual communion that many saints have prayed over the years. Say this prayer if you find yourself at Mass unable to receive the Eucharist, or even amid your daily work, lifting your thoughts to God.
The ultimate goal of our lives should be communion with God. Hence, an act of spiritual communion can help a person draw closer to that goal.
An Act of Spiritual Communion
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.
Amen.
