Mon, 1 May 2017 | Cover | Page 07

Spiritual Communion

What Is It?

A devotion which we can initiate on our own, either inside or outside of Mass, AS MANY TIMES A DAYAS WE SO DESIRE. St. Thomas Aquinas wrote that it involves "a real longing for union with Christ even when we are unable to receive Him sacramentally."

Our Lord, holding two chalices, appeared to St. Catherine of Siena and said, "In this golden chalice I put your sacramental communions. In this silver chalice I put your spiritual communions. Both chalices are quite pleasing to me."

WHO?

Anyone: --IN THE STATE OF GRACE --UNABLE TO RECEIVE SACRAMENTAL COMMUNION --NOT CATHOLIC --SICK AND HOUSEBOUND

COMPONENTS:

ACT OF FAITH ACT OF LOVE EXPRESSION OF DESIRE INVITATION TO OUR LORD TO COME INTO OUR HEARTS My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you have already come and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. ( pray 3 times) ■

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How?