COVID-19

How to Make a Spiritual Communion

During this unprecedented time of isolation and social distancing due to the novel coronavirus, it may be awhile before Catholics can receive Holy Communion again. However, the Church has a wonderful tradition of making what is called a “spiritual communion.”

St. Teresa of Avila wrote: “When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beautiful practice; by it the love of God will be impressed upon you.”

St. John Vianney writes: “If we are deprived of Sacramental Communion, let us replace it, as far as we can, by spiritual communion, which we can make every moment; for we ought to have always a burning desire to receive the good God.”

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wrote: “Even in cases where it is not possible to receive sacramental communion, participation at Mass remains necessary, important, meaningful and fruitful. In such circumstances it is beneficial to cultivate a desire for full union with Christ through the practice of spiritual communion, praised by Pope John Paul II and recommended by saints who were masters of the spiritual life.”

How to make a spiritual communion:

  1. You must be in a state of grace. (Go to Confession if not)

  2. Say the Our Father (and bless yourself with holy water if available)

  3. Pray: “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. Amen.” (from St. Alphonsus Ligouri)

  4. This act of spiritual communion can be made anywhere and at any time!

Stay Active In Your Faith Online!

During the following weeks where the public celebration of Holy Mass will be suspended in the Archdiocese of Mobile, the following links may be useful in watching Mass live online, as well as staying up to date with the Scripture readings of the day. Stay tuned for an official Little Flower streaming service as well.

Click here for the Little Flower Facebook page which we will use to stream live Masses, Stations, and classes.

Click here to watch the Mass as broadcast by EWTN.

Click here to listen to Sunday homilies by Bishop Robert Barron.

Click here to read the Daily Mass and Sunday Mass readings from the USCCB.

Click here to listen to Archangel Radio online.