How to make a good spiritual communion ("Ways of Praying" series)
What on earth is a "spiritual communion"? How can I receive the graces of Holy Communion if I haven't been to Mass? How do I actually do this? Fr Stephen gives some background theology to help you make sense of this beautiful tradition, and some practical advice about how to do it. Here is a short desciption and then an act of spiritual communion you can pray - the one I used in the video today: Spiritual Communion There are times when people are unable to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, through illness or due to their personal disposition. Even though some may not receive ‘sacramental’ Communion, all are united in some way by the Holy Spirit. The traditional idea of ‘spiritual’ Communion is an important one to remember and reaffirm. A deep spiritual communion is possible even when we do not share together the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ. (cf. Celebrating the Mass 212) ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION My Jesus, I believe that you are present in this Holy Sacrament of the altar. I love you above all things and I passionately desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come spiritually into my soul so that I may unite myself wholly to you now and forever. Amen. (Based on a prayer of St Alphonsus Liguori) This video is part of the “Ways of Praying” series: Simple, practical advice about how to pray - aimed at beginners - with a different method of prayer introduced in each video, together with some time to pray in this way. Presented by Fr Stephen Wang, University Chaplain and Vocations Director in the Diocese of Westminster. For other videos in the "Ways of Praying" series visit the Pause for Faith YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/PauseforFaith and especially the Ways of Praying playlist here: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLONjO2Fy-UW_apYSv7nPU6UAkAAXthCqP Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @pauseforfaith www.facebook.com/pauseforfaith www.instagram.com/pauseforfaith https://twitter.com/pauseforfaith
What on earth is a "spiritual communion"? How can I receive the graces of Holy Communion if I haven't been to Mass? How do I actually do this? Fr Stephen gives some background theology to help you make sense of this beautiful tradition, and some practical advice about how to do it. Here is a short desciption and then an act of spiritual communion you can pray - the one I used in the video today: Spiritual Communion There are times when people are unable to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, through illness or due to their personal disposition. Even though some may not receive ‘sacramental’ Communion, all are united in some way by the Holy Spirit. The traditional idea of ‘spiritual’ Communion is an important one to remember and reaffirm. A deep spiritual communion is possible even when we do not share together the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ. (cf. Celebrating the Mass 212) ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION My Jesus, I believe that you are present in this Holy Sacrament of the altar. I love you above all things and I passionately desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come spiritually into my soul so that I may unite myself wholly to you now and forever. Amen. (Based on a prayer of St Alphonsus Liguori) This video is part of the “Ways of Praying” series: Simple, practical advice about how to pray - aimed at beginners - with a different method of prayer introduced in each video, together with some time to pray in this way. Presented by Fr Stephen Wang, University Chaplain and Vocations Director in the Diocese of Westminster. For other videos in the "Ways of Praying" series visit the Pause for Faith YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/PauseforFaith and especially the Ways of Praying playlist here: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLONjO2Fy-UW_apYSv7nPU6UAkAAXthCqP Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @pauseforfaith www.facebook.com/pauseforfaith www.instagram.com/pauseforfaith https://twitter.com/pauseforfaith