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Sacred Reply Prayer Library
Act of Spiritual Communion
An Act of Spiritual Communion expresses a deep desire for union with Jesus when someone cannot receive Holy Communion sacramentally.
Pray
Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things, and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though Thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee. Permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee. Amen.
Explore what this prayer meansIn brief
Catholics make a spiritual communion when they desire union with Jesus in the Eucharist but cannot receive Holy Communion sacramentally. It expresses faith, love and desire, but it does not replace sacramental Communion when sacramental reception is possible.
Understand
What is this prayer?
A spiritual communion is a devotional act expressing desire for union with Christ in the Eucharist when a person cannot receive the sacrament. Different Catholic formulas exist.
Quick facts
- Type
- Eucharistic devotion
- Purpose
- Desire for union with Christ
- Common association
- St Alphonsus Liguori
- Use
- When sacramental Communion cannot be received
- Important distinction
- Does not replace sacramental Communion
Why Catholics pray it
Why it matters
Catholic faith holds the Eucharist in uniquely high regard. When sacramental reception is impossible, a spiritual communion allows a person to express faith in Christ's Eucharistic presence and desire for deeper union with Him.
When to pray
When Catholics use it
It can be prayed when someone attends Mass but cannot receive Communion, when watching Mass remotely, when unable to attend Mass, or at another moment of Eucharistic prayer.
Meaning
What the words mean
The prayer moves through faith in Christ's presence, love for Him, desire to receive Him and a request for spiritual union. It ends by asking never to be separated from Christ.
History
Where this prayer comes from
Spiritual communion has a long history in Catholic spirituality. The form presented here belongs to the traditional family of prayers associated with St Alphonsus Liguori, though English wording has appeared in several forms.
Scripture
Biblical connections
John 6:35
Jesus identifies Himself as the bread of life and calls His followers to come to Him in faith.
John 6:56
Jesus describes profound communion between Himself and those who receive His flesh and blood.
Catholic teaching
Catechism connections
CCC 1374
The Catechism teaches the unique manner in which Christ is present in the Eucharistic species.
CCC 1389
The Catechism strongly encourages properly disposed Catholics to receive Holy Communion frequently while explaining the Church's sacramental obligations.
Understand
Common questions
What is spiritual communion?
It is an act of prayer expressing faith in Jesus and desire for Eucharistic union when sacramental Communion cannot be received.
Is spiritual communion the same as receiving the Eucharist?
No. Spiritual communion is a devotion and does not replace sacramental reception of Holy Communion.
When can I make a spiritual communion?
It can be made whenever sacramental Communion cannot be received, including during Eucharistic prayer or at other times when someone desires deeper union with Christ.
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