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Spiritual Communion

Here is one way to make a spiritual communion when you are not able to attend Holy Mass. It can be adapted to suit your personal needs.

Respectful Atmosphere

While it is not necessary, it might be helpful to set up a table in the middle of your living room. Perhaps place some flowers and a candle on the table. Have a Bible marked with the readings of the day. If you are more than one person in your household, assign readings or other duties to other members. 

  • Make the sign of the cross
  • Read the reading for the day or the Sunday Mass. 
  • Read a short reflection if you would like. There are many sources found on the Internet
  • Share prayer intentions, either out loud or in silence. You may light a small candle for each intention
  • Pray the Lord's Prayer
  • Say one of more of the suggested prayers of spiritual communion (see below)
  • Close with the sign of the cross

Prayer to the Most Holy Redeemer (Anima Christi)

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, embolden me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me,
Within thy wounds hide me.
Never permit me to be parted from you.
From evil Enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me.
and bid me come to thee,
that with your saints I may praise thee
for age upon age.
Amen.

Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ Crucified

Behold, O good and loving Jesus, that I cast myself on my knees before you and, with the greatest fervor of spirit, I pray and beseech you to instill into my heart ardent sentiment of faith, hope and charity, with true repentance for my sins and a most firm purpose of amendment. With deep affection and sorrow I ponder intimately and contemplate in my mind your five wounds, having before my eyes what the prophet David had already put in your mouth about yourself, O good Jesus: They have pierced my hands and my feet; they have numbered all my bones (Psalm 21: 17-18)

An Act of Spiritual Communion by St. Alphonsus Liguori

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire
to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment 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.
Amen.

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