Can you receive spiritual communion

[Lissla_Lissar]

While in the state of mortal sin? I have done some searching, and haven’t found a definite answer. I know it was supposed to be okay for me to perform the act of spiritual communion when I was an RCIA candidate, and I certainly was in a state of mortal sin then.

So, can you receive spiritually, and what is the doctrinal, catechical etc. basis for doing so?

 

[PhilotheaZ]

A spiritual communion is simply a strong desire to receive Jesus in sacramental Communion. I think making a spiritual communion would be beneficial when in a state of mortal sin because it should make the sinner more resolute to make a sacramental Confession, so that he or she will eventually be able to fulfill this desire for sacramental Communion.

This is from an article by Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis:

Our late Holy Father reminded us that the practice of making a “spiritual communion” comes from our deep desire to receive the Body of Christ. “Spiritual communion” is the expression of our profound and enduring desire to receive the Body of Christ. The act of spiritual communion prepares us fittingly for the time when we are able to receive Holy Communion.

Whenever we experience a period of time during which we may not receive Holy Communion because we are guilty of a mortal sin which we have not confessed in the Sacrament of Penance or because we are, in some other way, not properly disposed to receive, then we unite ourselves to Christ in the best possible way by expressing, in prayer, our desire to receive Him. God always responds to our act of spiritual communion with the help of His grace. Regarding spiritual communion, Pope John Paul II quotes St. Teresa of Avila, doctor of the Church:

“When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you.”

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

While in the state of mortal sin? I have done some searching, and haven’t found a definite answer. I know it was supposed to be okay for me to perform the act of spiritual communion when I was an RCIA candidate, and I certainly was in a state of mortal sin then.

So, can you receive spiritually, and what is the doctrinal, catechical etc. basis for doing so?

A person who is physically unable to receive Holy Communion, can receive Sanctifying Grace by making a Spiritual Communion when they have the proper and necessary dispositions and free of unconfessed mortal sins.

A person without the necessary dispositions or in mortal sin, receives only Actual Grace.