Spiritual Communion
For a bit of exercise I walk up The Hill in Burford as far as the Catholic Church. I walk across the gravel car park to look at the little garden beside the door of the church. From its sheltered corner this has charmed me with an array of shrubs and bulbs which have coped with the vicious winter we have had here. It is next to the Notice Board on the church which I look at. It contains one sheet of paper with the Sunday readings and information about the week. My eye was caught by something I had been seeking – Making an Act of Spiritual Communion. When we are unable to receive Holy Communion in person this prayer can be said while the Priest distributes the Sacrament to the congregation.
I felt delighted to have discovered this prayer. As I did not know such prayer existed I had not looked on line, but now I know that this prayer, and others like it, are recommended for use by many churches, both Anglican and RC. It now means a lot to me. The Church of England on their website has published this guidance piece on receiving Spiritual Communion Guidance on Spiritual Communion and Coronavirus
The photos show the entrance to the church and the little garden. The prayer on the notice board is below.
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love you above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul.
Since I cannot, at the moment, receive you sacramentally, come at least
spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you.
Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen
