The “Spiritual Communion” Prayer of Saint Alphonsus

The month of August begins with the Memorial of the 18th century Italian Bishop and Doctor of the Church, Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787). He was a prolific theologian and spiritual writer, preacher and shepherd of souls. Six years ago, a brief prayer he composed became crucially important for 21st century Catholics. The unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic kept ordinary Catholics from attending Mass in their parish churches for many months. Instead, we connected with our churches on Sundays (and weekdays, if we wanted) via live-streaming while our priests offered Mass there.

On those Sundays, we were not able to receive the Eucharist regularly. For many of us, however, this crisis provided the occasion for us to learn (or become more familiar with) the practice of “spiritual communion.” Saint Alphonsus’s concise prayer (posted on the screen after the priest’s communion) became for us a way to maintain a vital relationship with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Today, long after the churches have reopened, the widespread practice of live-streaming Mass each day has continued, to the great benefit of the sick and homebound and anyone who finds it helpful. The ministry of Saint Alphonsus in this way continues to touch the lives of Catholics, so that Jesus might sustain us and draw us to Himself.