If you are unable to attend Mass because of measures taken by your diocese to halt the spread of the coronavirus or are otherwise homebound, consider making an act of Spiritual Communion.

“If we are deprived of Sacramental Communion, let us replace it, as far as we can, by Spiritual Communion, which we can make every moment; for we ought to have always a burning desire to receive the good God,” said St. Jean-Marie Vianney. “Communion is to the soul like blowing a fire that is beginning to go out, but that has still plenty of hot embers; we blow, and the fire burns again,” he continued. “After the reception of the Sacraments, when we feel ourselves slacken in the love of God, let us turn towards the tabernacle; no wall cannot separate us from the good God.”

The key to Spiritual Communion is to grow in your heart a constant desire for the Blessed Sacrament.

+ If you are aware of serious or mortal sin, make an act of perfect contrition.

+ Imaging the sacred words and actions of the Mass or watch online or on TV.

+ Make all those acts of faith, humility, sorrow, adoration, love and desire that you usually express before Holy Communion.

+ Desire, with earnest longing, to receive Our Lord present – Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity – in the Blessed Sacrament.

+ Say this prayer of St. Alphonsus Ligouri: “My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You are already there, I embrace You and unite myself wholly to You; do not let me ever be separated from You. Amen.”

+ After moments of silent adoration make all those acts of faith, humility, love, thanksgiving and offering that you usually express through prayers after Holy Communion.