This would seem to be the natural place in which to say a word on the subject of Spiritual Communion, or, Communion of the Angels, as it has been called.
In spite of all that has been said on the matter of the frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist, it must be recognized and freely admitted that for large numbers of the Faithful it is quite impossible. Their daily avocations prevent many of them from getting to church on week days, while many also do not feel the courage or the desire to go often to Holy Communion. To all these and to others who, from whatever cause, do not go to the Holy Table, the practice of Spiritual Communion may be recommended, as used by the Saints and approved by the Church. “Those who eat in desire this heavenly bread are, by a lively faith that worketh by charity, made sensible of the fruit and usefulness thereof” (CI. Trent., XIII. 8).
Spiritual Communion consists chiefly in a yearning desire to receive our Blessed Lord, with expressions of regret at not being able to actually do so, in making acts of sorrow for sin, together with gratitude for God’s mercies and petition for His graces, in the same way almost as if we had really been able to receive Him into our hearts.
Such Communion may be made at any time or place; we know that Our Lord, while on earth, healed not only those who presented themselves before Him, but those also who were at a distance, but ardently desired His presence. Remember the instance of the Centurion’s servant, as related in Saint Matthew’s Gospel, 8:8: and also that of the Ruler’s son (John 4:50). Without then actually entering our hearts by Sacramental Communion, Our Lord can and will bless us, if we make only a Spiritual Communion.
The most natural and suitable time for this would be during Mass, when the priest makes his Sacramental Communion, or while the Faithful go up to the Altar for theirs; we shall be better able then to excite within us the best dispositions for making it well. If carefully and fervently done, such Spiritual Communion may be made to supply the omission of Sacramental Communion. It has ever been held in esteem by Saints and holy persons, who extol the happy effects it produces in the soul, while Our Lord Himself has more than once shown the pleasure it gives Him. He one day appeared to a holy nun who dwelt in Naples, holding two vessels in His hands, the one of gold, and the other of silver. As she was wondering what this could mean, Jesus said to her: “My child, I keep in the golden vessel all your Sacramental Communions, and in the silver one all your Spiritual Communions.” On another occasion, He told Saint Jane of the Cross, that as often as she made a Spiritual Communion, she received a grace similar to that which she received when making a Sacramental Communion.
When, therefore, we do not approach the Altar during Mass, and even when we are not able to be present at Mass at all, we should make at least a Spiritual Communion in the manner here given. There is no need to be fasting for this purpose, nor is a Confessors leave in any way necessary. Then, like many others who have benefited by the practice, we shall reap much profit from it, and enrich our souls with many precious graces.