Spiritual communion, an ancient spiritual practice that is somewhat forgotten today, returned to the lives of Christians when, unable to attend Mass because of the pandemic emergency, Pope Francis recalled this «practice strongly recommended when it is not possible to receive the Sacrament». So let us understand what it is and how it is done.

What is spiritual communion?

Spiritual communion is an act by which we unite ourselves to Jesus in the Eucharist through prayer.
It is a wonderful way to express our desire to be united with him when we are unable to receive him sacramentally. This inability may be due to being unable to attend Mass or to receive Holy Communion because of sinful situations or other objective circumstances, such as the Eucharistic fast required before receiving Eucharistic Communion or an illness.
For example, for sick and elderly people who cannot physically attend Holy Mass but can participate through the radio or television, spiritual communion is very effective, and they should be encouraged to practice it.

Why, when, and where should we receive spiritual communion?

You can make a spiritual communion whenever you desire, because just a few moments are enough: brief aspirations addressed to Jesus in the Eucharist, asking him to come into us.
An excellent way to make a spiritual communion is to combine it with listening to the Word of God. In meditation, and especially in contemplation, spiritual communion takes place even without reciting specific formulas. Many people make a spiritual communion when they receive the Eucharistic blessing. Another favorable opportunity for spiritual communion is during Eucharistic adoration. It is also useful to make a spiritual communion especially during Holy Mass, when it is not possible to receive sacramental Communion.

The fruits of spiritual communion

Spiritual communion has the same fruits as sacramental Communion: it is spiritual nourishment and an increase in grace. It rekindles faith and love for the Blessed Sacrament and encourages us to receive sacramental Communion.
In any case, these are precious effects, but less intense than those of sacramental Communion, since they do not arise by virtue of divine institution, but only by virtue of the individual’s dispositions, and are proportionate to them.
Other effects of spiritual communion include increased fervour, joy in the heart, and peace of soul.

Three steps for making a spiritual communion

Desiring to “receive Communion”
One must explicitly express the desire to receive Communion and be willing to receive sacramental Communion if it were possible.
Naturally, the stronger and more prolonged the desire, the more fruitful the communion will be.

Believing in Christ’s presence
To make a spiritual communion, it is necessary to make an act of faith; one must firmly believe in the true, real and substantial presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Gratefully acknowledging this presence allows Communion to bear its fruits, which consist in union with Christ through faith and love.

Making a spiritual communion
To make a spiritual communion, it is necessary to recite a prayer, even only mentally, through which all the sentiments expressed in the first two stages are made manifest: namely, the desire to unite oneself with Christ, who is truly present in the Eucharist, despite not materially receiving sacramental Communion, and to give thanks for the gift received.

Does spiritual communion replace sacramental Communion?

No. Spiritual communion is practised as an expression of the desire for sacramental Communion when it is impossible to receive it. There is no doubt that full participation in the Eucharist takes place when we personally approach the altar to receive the body and blood of Christ.

If we have never done so, let us try spiritual communion: it can fill our days with love, allow us to remain in the presence of the Lord, and enable us to live with him in an embrace of love. Practising spiritual communion sincerely from the heart, even several times throughout the day, can express our sincere desire to be with the Lord and can help us understand how much he desires to be with us.