As the days of social distancing continue, churches are not having Masses, and Catholics across the country who are used to readily available access to the Holy Eucharist are being advised to substitute “spiritual communion.” The church has many things in her rich storehouse of traditions, and one of them is the practice of spiritual communion. There is no fixed formula. But for an idea of how to pray a spiritual communion prayer, let us turn to St. Alphonus Ligouri.
Spiritual Communion:
My Jesus,
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist.
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.
— By St. Alphonus Ligouri
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.