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| Still Image from The Passion of the Christ |
Most of us can't make it to Mass everyday. On those days, even though we may not be able to receive the Eucharist, we can make a prayer of Spiritual Communion. The concept of spiritual communion has long been a part of Catholic tradition and it consists of "inviting Jesus into one's heart and soul when receiving the actual sacrament isn't possible" (CNS, 2011). Perhaps you have heard a version of the prayer while watching the Mass on EWTN. Many saints, including St. Alphonsus Ligouri, St. Tereas of Avila and St. Josemaria have made prayers of spiritual communion. According to Pope Pius XII, we should make our spiritual communion with a desire for "renewed faith, reverence, humility and complete trust in the goodness of the divine Redeemer" so that we "may be united to Him in the spirit of the most ardent charity" (Mediator Dei, 117).
Anytime, Anywhere
What's great about spiritual communion is that you can make the prayer anytime or anywhere. I say a version of the prayer every time I pass a Catholic Church to acknowledge Christ's true presence in the Eucharist contained in the tabernacle. I get to start every work morning driving by St. Rita's on the Toll Road into downtown Dallas. It's not only a great way for me to start my day, but it insures I don't suffer from road rage when traffic is terrible. You can make the prayer as many times as you like and some of the saints have even recommended making the prayer after receiving sacramental communion.
Origin of the Devotion
In his encyclical Ecclessia de Eucharistia Pope John Paul II wrote about the origin and purpose of spiritual communion.
[I]n the Eucharist “unlike any other sacrament, the mystery [of communion] is so perfect that it brings us to the heights of every good thing: here is the ultimate goal of every human desire, because here we attain God and God joins himself to us in the most perfect union”. Precisely for this reason it is good to cultivate in our hearts a constant desire for the sacrament of the Eucharist. This was the origin of the practice of “spiritual communion”, which has happily been established in the Church for centuries and recommended by saints who were masters of the spiritual life. Saint Teresa of Jesus wrote: “When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you”. (EdE, 35)Prayer of the Saints:
Act of Spiritual Communion, 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.
Amen.
I wish, Lord, to receive You with the purity, humility and devotion with which Your most holy Mother received You, with the spirit and fervor of the saints. Amen.
Spiritually Benefits
Pope Benedict recommended spiritual communion "in cases where it is not possible to receive sacramental communion, participation at Mass remains necessary, important, meaningful and fruitful. In such circumstances it is beneficial to cultivate a desire for full union with Christ through the practice of spiritual communion, praised by Pope John Paul II and recommended by saints who were masters of the spiritual life (Sacramentum Caritatis, 55).
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