What is Spiritual Communion?

Comunión espiritual

In the Catholic Church, a Spiritual Communion is a prayer by which a parishioner expresses his desire to receive Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, even when he or she is unable to participate in sacramental communion (receiving the consecrated host). This practice allows people to unite spiritually with Jesus, manifesting faith, love, and a deep longing for Him, especially at times when they are unable to receive Communion physically, such as due to illness or extraordinary circumstances.

Steps to follow:

1.-Prayer of faith and desire: It begins by having faith in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and expressing the desire to receive him.

2.-Exposition of the heart: Jesus is spoken to, manifesting love for Him and the longing to receive Him, asking Him to come to the heart in a spiritual way.

3.-Inner union: An act of union is performed and he is invited to remain in the heart, asking him not to separate, and

4.-Silence and thanksgiving: A moment of silence is observed to thank God for uniting spiritually, trusting that He gives strength to live with charity.

Spiritual communion can be practiced at any time of the day, whether at home, at work, or in the temple.

It is an important devotion for all the faithful. It is important to understand that spiritual communion is not a substitute for sacramental communion, that is, the physical act of receiving the consecrated host. However, as described at the Council of Trent and taught by the Church, the fervor of desire in spiritual communion can make up the difference and bestow similar graces.

Fr. Claudio