What is spiritual communion and how can I have it?

Spiritual communion is an act of desire with which the believer expresses with his own words or with a previously composed prayer that he wishes to receive the Lord in his heart despite the circumstances that prevent him from receiving him directly in the sacrament.

It can be received by any faithful believer who believes that Jesus is truly present in the consecrated forms, at any time. This includes those who attend Mass without the Eucharistic fast, or without being in a state of grace (those who have not recently received absolution in the sacrament of Confession). This prayer can be included at the end of personal devotions such as the recitation of the Holy Rosary.

The most important thing to receive spiritual communion is to have a sincere longing to receive the Lord in one's heart and to express it through prayer.

Prayer of spiritual communion: “I wish, Lord, to receive you with the purity, humility, and devotion with which your most holy Mother received you, with the spirit and fervor of the saints.”

Children who have not received First Communion but who are aware of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist may use this simple prayer: "Child Jesus, who art in the Host, I want you for me, for me you shall be."

Illustration: Indian rendering of the Last Supper.