Saint Alphonsus Liguori

Act of Spiritual Communion

From his Visits to the Blessed Sacrament

LatinEnglish

Iesu mi, credo Te in sanctissimo Eucharistiae Sacramento vere praesentem esse. Amo Te super omnia et desidero Te in animam meam suscipere. Sed quia nunc Te sacramentaliter suscipere non possum, veni saltem spiritualiter in cor meum. Amplector Te ac totum me Tibi coniungo; ne permittas me umquam a Te separari.

My Jesus, I believe that You are truly present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. But since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as being already there, and I unite myself wholly to You; never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

SourceSaint Alphonsus Liguori · From his Visits to the Blessed Sacrament

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The history of this prayer

St Alphonsus Mary Liguori (1696–1787), founder of the Redemptorists and Doctor of the Church, wrote his Visits to the Blessed Sacrament (1745) in Italian, a little book of daily visits to Jesus in the tabernacle. At the end of each visit he proposes this spiritual communion.

The Council of Trent had already taught that those who ardently desire the Eucharist but cannot receive it share in its fruits through faith and charity. St Alphonsus' formula became one of the most widely prayed in the world. The Latin on this page is a translation of the Italian original. His feast is on 1 August.

Frequently asked questions

What is a spiritual communion?

It is the ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Eucharist when one cannot receive him sacramentally — because one is far from Mass, ill or otherwise impeded. The Church teaches that this desire, joined to faith and charity, brings grace.

How often can I make a spiritual communion?

As often as you like. St Alphonsus recommended making it many times a day, especially when visiting the Blessed Sacrament and at a Mass where one does not receive.

Does a spiritual communion replace Sunday Mass?

No. It accompanies those who are impeded, but it does not dispense anyone who can attend Mass.

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