‘For our Church, the sacraments have been a core way in which we experience union with Christ, and reception of the Eucharist has been central to that intimacy. However, the Church has also encouraged what is called Spiritual Communion. This can occur when a person wishes to receive the Eucharist but is prevented from doing so for any of a number of reasons. There is no official format for making a Spiritual Communion but below is a suggested prayer that may help some who hunger to receive the Lord spiritually.’

~ + Donal McKeown, Bishop of Derry.

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION:

My Jesus, I believe that You desire to make Your home within me and that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You in my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come spiritually into my heart. I embrace Your love as if You were already there and I unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.