Spiritual Communion
Brother John Raymond
What is a Spiritual Communion? It is desiring to receive Holy
Communion when we are not able to actually do so. Of course we
should not make a Spiritual Communion to replace an actual Holy
Communion. The advantage of a Spiritual Communion is that we can
make it as often as we like.
One may wonder about the value of this practice. St. Catherine of
Siena (1347-1380) was afraid that a Spiritual Communion was nothing
compared to a Sacramental Communion. In a vision of Our Lord she saw
Him hold up two ciboria (the vessel which contains the Sacred Hosts)
and say, "In this golden ciborium I put your Sacramental Communions.
In this silver ciborium I put your Spiritual Communions. Both
ciboria are quite pleasing to Me."
I would like to recommend a beautiful prayer written by St.
Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) for making your Spiritual Communion.
St. Alphonsus taught that a Spiritual Communion produces effects in
our souls similar to a Sacramental Communion according to the
dispositions with which it is made. The greater the desire for Jesus
and the greater love with which Jesus is welcomed the greater the
graces received.
How appropriate to begin this practice as we start the Advent
Season. The Jewish people yearned for the coming of the Messiah. We
yearn for people we love when they are absent. Let us spend this
season yearning for Jesus so that on Christmas Day He may not only
be born in a stable but also into our hearts. We can express this
yearning by making many Spiritual Communions.
Spiritual Communion Prayer
My Jesus, I believe that Thou are truly 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. (Pause) I embrace Thee as being already
there and unite myself wholly to Thee. Never permit me to be
separated from Thee. Amen.