Spiritual Communion
When sacramental Communion is impossible, the soul may still unite itself to the Heart of Jesus by desire.
Why this practice
St. Thomas Aquinas taught that whenever a soul makes a sincere act of desire for the Eucharist, the grace of Communion is given in proportion to that desire. This is called Spiritual Communion, and it is one of the most ancient practices of Catholic life.
It can be made anywhere, at any time — at one's desk, in traffic, in the middle of the night, walking. Saints like Léopoldine de Châteaubriant are said to have made hundreds of Spiritual Communions in a single day.
How to begin
We can never make too many Spiritual Communions. The desire itself becomes a tabernacle.
— St. Alphonsus Liguori
A prayer for this practice
My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love Thee above all things, and I desire to receive Thee into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace Thee as if Thou wert already there, and unite myself wholly to Thee. Never permit me to be separated from Thee.
Amen.