SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

During these days when it may not be possible for many Catholics to attend Holy Mass or receive Holy Communion, a very ancient custom is to make a Spiritual Communion. In this prayer we express our desire to receive Our Lord spiritually — not with the same graces as a Sacramental Communion — but nonetheless a good and pious custom in times of necessity. Here are two forms that could be used:

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now 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.

or

I wish, Lord, to receive you with the purity, humility and devotion with which your most holy Mother received you, with the spirit and fervour of the saints.