In the Middle Ages, when the faithful were accustomed to receiving communion only at Easter time, pious people, generally women, expressed their desire to do so more frequently.
This is how the custom of spiritual communion came about. “Towards the end of the 12th century, the most popular form of spiritual communion consisted of expressing a prayer and petitions during the elevation that follows the consecration. […] It is considered that the eulogy or blessed bread was a perfectly acceptable substitute for sacramental communion […].
According to some authors, the blessing of persons and the kiss of peace could also replace communion. […] Spiritual communion was recommended to those who were too ill to receive the consecrated elements. […] Theologians supported this practice by teaching that, through spiritual communion, one receives as many graces necessary for our salvation as through sacramental communion” (G. Macy in Eucharistia. Encyclopedia of the Eucharist , edited by M. Brouard, Paris, 2002, p. 182).
Even though daily confession is common today, the Church nevertheless invites the faithful to frequently recite spiritual communions throughout the day to be inflamed with love for God, “so as to be united to the Redeemer with a living faith, a respectfully humble spirit, and trust in his will, with the most ardent love” (Pius XII, encyclical Mediator Dei , November 20, 1947). Bishop Le Tourneau
Here are two formulas for spiritual communion:
“Lord, I would like to receive you with purity, humility, and devotion.”
with which your most Holy Mother received you;
with the spirit and fervor of the saints
“My Jesus, I believe that you are present here in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I ardently desire to receive you.”.
But since, at this moment, I cannot do it sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.
As if you were already present, I adore you and I unite myself entirely with you; do not allow me to ever be separated from you.
Jesus, my treasure, my sweet love, inflame my heart with love, so that it may always burn with love for you.
Cherubim, Seraphim who adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, night and day, pray for us and give us the holy blessing of Jesus and Mary.
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