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PT

Act of Spiritual Communion

Traditional

2 min
Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In nómine Patris, et Fílii, et Spíritus Sancti. Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, I adore You and I love You with all my heart. I thank You for having given Yourself to us in the Eucharist. My soul longs for You as the deer longs for flowing streams.

Since I cannot receive You sacramentally at this moment, I beg You to come to me spiritually. Be wholly mine, and let me be wholly Yours, now and forever. Amen.

About this prayer

An act of spiritual communion is a prayer by which we unite ourselves to Christ in the Eucharist when sacramental communion is not possible — or as an additional act of devotion at any time of day.

History

The practice of spiritual communion was commended by the Council of Trent and encouraged by saints throughout history, including St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Teresa of Ávila. The most widely used form is that of St. Alphonsus Liguori (18th century), Doctor of the Church. St. John Paul II and Pope Francis have both encouraged this practice.

How to pray it

This prayer may be made at any time, especially when attending Mass but unable to receive Communion, when watching Mass on television, or when visiting the Blessed Sacrament. Make an act of faith, desire, and love before the prayer.

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