Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I long for You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You have already come, I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You; never permit me to be separated from You.

Our Lord to Sr. Benigna Consolata: “Make as many Spiritual Communions as possible, to supply for the many Sacramental Communions which are not made. One every quarter of an hour is not enough. Make them shorter, but more numerous.”

Deeper understanding of Act of Spiritual Communion

The Act of Spiritual Communion is a Catholic prayer that has its roots in the long-standing practice of receiving the Eucharist, or Communion, during Mass. The prayer is a way for individuals who cannot physically receive Communion, such as those who are homebound, sick, or unable to attend Mass, to receive spiritual communion with Christ.

The practice of making a spiritual communion has been part of Catholic devotion since the early Church. Saint Thomas Aquinas wrote about the practice in the 13th century, saying that “spiritual communion whereby we desire to receive in spirit that which cannot be given us in sacramental Communion, namely, the very reality of the Body and Blood of Christ.”

The Act of Spiritual Communion prayer itself has evolved over time, with different versions appearing in prayer books and devotional literature. Its current form is a simple prayer that consists of expressing one’s desire to receive Communion with Christ and asking him to enter into one’s heart and soul.

Today, the Act of Spiritual Communion is an important part of the spiritual life of many Catholics, especially during times when they are unable to receive Communion physically. It is a powerful way to deepen one’s relationship with Christ, and it is a reminder that even when we cannot receive the sacraments, the grace of God is always available to us.