I need help from readers for a question sent via e-mail.
I cannot find my copy of The Raccolta with Latin and English texts of prayers which at one time had been conceded indulgences.
Someone asked my for a Latin version of a prayer for making a Spiritual Communion.
I know of this prayer, which had once had the approval of the Holy See:
"O Jesus I turn toward the holy tabernacle where You live hidden for love of me. I love you, O my God. I cannot receive you in Holy Communion. Come nevertheless and visit me with Your grace. Come spiritually into my heart. Purify it. Sanctify it. Render it like unto Your own. Amen.
Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
This had been approved with an indulgence by the S.C. Indulgences on 24 Nov 1922 and I found a reference to Raccolta #129.
There should be a Latin version of that prayer somewhere.
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Sorry my Raccolta from 1950 only contains the last portion which is obviously taken from the Missal.
I have a copy of the 1950 Enchiridion indulgentiarum. I believe this is the last pre-conciliar edition. The actus communionis spiritualis is found at #164 (p. 89). It provides two examples. Interestingly, neither prayer is is Latin. The first is in Italian, the second in French.
These prayers are also found in the The Raccolta. In 1957 edition, they are found on pp. 95-96.
Let’s be clear: All indulgences previously granted which were not incorporated into the revised Enchiridion indulgentiarum are explicitly suppressed. The decree promulgating the new Enchiridion indulgentiarum (29 June 1968) states the following: “He [Paul VI] has ordered it to be the authoritative collection; suppressed are all general grants of indulgences not incorporated into the new Enchiridion as well as all the legislation on indulgences in the CIC […]”
I have been looking for a Spiritual Communion prayer in Latin for years, with no luck.
Would Anima Christi suffice? It is still indulgenced.
Anima Christi, sanctifica me.
Corpus Christi, salva me.
Sanguis Christi, inebria me.
Aqua lateris Christi, lava me.
Passio Christi, conforta me.
O bone Iesu, exaudi me.
Intra tua vulnera absconde me.
Ne permittas me separari a te.
Ab hoste maligno defende me.
In hora mortis meae voca me.
Et iube me venire ad te,
Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem te
in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
I love this, but I learned it many years ago and cannot now remember where! I’d love a Latin version…
O my Jesus, since I cannot now receive Thee under the sacramental veil I beseech Thee with a heart full of love and longing to come spiritually into my soul and there abide with me forever: Thou in me and I in Thee, in Mary. Amen.
There’s also Adoro Te Devote — not exactly the classic Spiritual Communion, but I would think it would serve. Read the words, think about them, isn’t this an act of Spiritual Communion if that’s what your intent is?
Adoro te devote, latens Deitas,
Quae sub his figuris vere latitas;
Tibi se cor meum totum subiicit,
Quia te contemplans, totum deficit.
Visus, tactus, gustus in te fallitur,
Sed auditu solo tuto creditur;
Credo quidquid dixit Dei Filius,
Nil hoc verbo veritatis verius.
In Cruce latebat sola Deitas.
At hic latet simul et humanitas:
Ambo tamen credens, atgue confitens,
Peto quod petivit latro paenitens.
Plagas, sicut Thomas, non intueor,
Deum tamen meum te confiteor:
Fac me tibi semper magis credere,
In te spem habere, te diligere.
O memoriale mortis Domini,
Panis vivus vitam praestans homini:
Praesta meae menti de te vivere,
Et te illi semper dulce sapere.
Pie pellicane Iesu Domine,
Me immundum munda tuo Sanguine:
Cuius una stilla salvum facere
Totum mundum quit ab omni scelere.
Iesu, quem velatum nunc aspicio,
Oro, fiat illud, quod tam sitio,
Ut te revelata cernens facie,
Visu sim beatus tuae gloriae. Amen.
I wasn’t aware that an Act of Spiritual Communion had to be an indulgenced prayer. In fact it’s hard for me (given my lack of knowledge) to understand how an indulgence attached to such an act could be a plenary indulgence in the first place. And in the second place, it has always been my understanding that the very act of prayer itself is sufficient for remission of some amount of temporal punishment (how big or how small, only God knows). Although, of course, this latter isn’t an indulgence in the sense of being granted by the Church.
In defense of my lame suggestions, there’s this from the Baltimore Catechism:
Q. 912. What is a spiritual Communion?
A. A spiritual communion is an earnest desire to receive Communion in reality, by which desire we make all preparations and thanksgivings that we would make in case we really received the Holy Eucharist. Spiritual Communion is an act of devotion that must be pleasing to God and bring us blessings from Him.
“Earnest desire” I should think could be expressed in many ways, including the two Latin prayers posted previously, given intent. And yes, I am able to read and understand Latin, and to express myself in that language, but when I express my desires and thanksgiving to God, it’s always in English. However, I offer you these suggestions because obviously the language is important to you.
My last on this, I promise (and I’m only doing this because Spiritual Communion is so important, and so often overlooked, and I hope that some people who really don’t know about it will wind up reading this thread — this is not actually added for the original poster, who asked a different question).
“The Church grants a partial indulgence each time we make a spiritual communion, using any prayer we like to express our desire to share in the fruits of the holy and living sacrifice of the Eucharist.”
From Fr. Hugh Barbour, O.Praem. at: “I Have a Question,” Envoy Magazine, found at http://www.envoymagazine.com/backissues/2.2/ihaveaquestion.html
Re: above
Just because the prayer isn’t indulgenced anymore, doesn’t mean that it’s not still a perfectly good prayer. Presumably the person is just wanting to pray.
My, My, ‘surpressed’, as was the ‘Gregorian Rite’ better known as the T.L.M. Now is that the same as ‘abrogated’? just askin
You know, I always did think that the “Domine, non sum dignus” prayer was meant as a “spiritual communion” prayer, for those who were not receiving communion at Mass.
In contrast to the way a lot of modern Catholics seem to understand it — thanks to a bad English translation in the NO? — which is, that it provides instant absolution so that even those who are not worthy may receive communion. They apparently believe that is implied by the words “and I shall be healed”. And you can’t really blame them, it does seem to imply that in the incorrect English.
I’ve never understood spiritual communion, honestly. For someone physically unable to receive, I do. But for those in a state of mortal sin…why can they receive Jesus “spiritually” in a way some Catholics seem to be under the impression is essentially equivalent…and yet need to wait for absolution to receive Him sacramentally? What does “receiving Him [spiritually]” even mean for someone who is in a state of mortal sin, utterly unable to merit, not friends with God, lacking divine life. It seems they should be much more concerned with penitential prayers than this sort of proxy “not technically receiving” communion in such a state of spiritual death.
Nusquam in tela verba Latina communionis spiritualis actus inveni. Hoc mihi mirissimum videtur quia inventio quarumlibet quisquiliarum per google difficilis non est. In Enchiridio scribitur indulgentiam adhiberi si specie pia idonea communicans nequiens utatur. Mea sententia prex hymnusque a Gulielmo praebiti se ad spiritum nec litteram actus disputati accommodant. ;-)
Indagare intrepidus pergam.
There is an act of Spiritual Communion that I say every day, since I can usually get to Mass only once a week down in Sacramento. It’s taped in my Missal. I don’t remember where I got it.
I believe in Thee, O my Jesus, present in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar; I love Thee above all things and I desire to receive Thee into my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace Thee, and I unite myself to Thee as if Thou wert already there. O permit me never to be separated from Thee! O Lord Jesus Christ, let the sweet and consuming force of Thy love absorb my whole soul, that I may die for the love of Thee, Who wast pleased to die for the love of me.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thee the most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in atonement for my sins and for the needs of Holy Church.
I also have used the Anima Christi for Spiritual Communion,and did for years, as a recommended prayer with indulgences for that purpose. I don’t know the one you’re looking for, Father.
Agellius,
Interesting point. What do you make of this:
Indulgentiam (+) absolutionem et remissionem peccatorum vestrorm tribuat vobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus.
It precedes the Domine non sum dignus. An empty formulary or true absolution? I’ve always wondered. When I once maintained it is true absolution, an old Jebby prof said, “you could make that case.”
Of course, a Jebby can make any case. ;-)
argh. I can’t find a latin version anywhere online. I did find however, spanish and italian versions, and of course 100 different english versions. I think it’s in Visitas al Santísimo by St. Alfonso de Ligorio, but I couldn’t find it in latin online. Raccolta is listed in google books, but no previews available. sorry
The “indulgentiam, absolutionem…etc” is a sacramental that does remit venial sins, but it is not (especially since most priests dont intend it to be) Sacramental Absolution.
Mark,
You raise a crucial (not to play upon the word) point. The absolution is preceded by the second Confiteor, which probably bit the dust in the Bugnini bowdlerization of the Liturgy. And which priests? How is one to know? The old Jebby was a casuist, but a wise one. I want a Jesuit lawyer when my time comes before the Celestial Tribunal. I have a vested interest in this since I long since gave up venial sins for the more jocund mortal variety. Belated but sincere repentance.
I trust in God, the Judge of all. Domine Iesu Christe, Fili Dei, miserere mei peccatoris. (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.) The Jesus Prayer I commend to all who seek spiritual solace. It transcends the utter barrenness of the novus ordo as first love does meretricious mingling.
But to come back to our sheep, as my compatriots say, with or without indulgences, we can trust in the power of an Act of Spiritual Communion, even if the efficacy of the Confection of the Eucharist is to be doubted in some novus ordo services. Pro multis, minime pro omnibus.
From The Handbook of Indulgences – Norms and Grants -authorised English Edition – 1991
Page 49 Number 15
Acts of Spiritual Communion
An act of spiritual communion, expressed in any devout formula, is endowed with a partial indulgence.
Sharon,
You are referring to an old edition of the Enchiridion indulgentiarum. The present edition was issued on 16 July 1999 by the Apostolic Penitentiary. Actual concessions have been added and the numbering is notably different.
With that said, a partial indulgence is still conceded for an act of spiritual communion. The reason why one can obtain an indulgence for such an act is in virtue of the present 1999 Enchiridion indulgentiarum, NOT because of a 1922 concession as noted in the original post.
The present Enchiridion states:
#8, par. 2: Partialis indulgentia cnceditur christifideli qui, qualibet pia formula legitime adprobata, elicuerit:
1. spiritualis communionis actum;
2. gratiarum actionem post communionem (e.g. Anima Christi; En ego, o bone et dulcissime Iesu).
The prayers (in Latin) are contained therein.
I’d also note that the prayer must be “legitime adprobata.” I’m not sure what this means in practice.
Here are the prayers on p.95-96 of my 2004 reprint of the 1957 Cardinal Spellman Raccolta.
AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
To the faithful who make an act of spiritual Communion, using any formula they may choose, there is granted:
An indulgance of 3 years;
A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions when the act is performed every day of the month (S.P. Ap., Mar. 7, 1927 and Feb. 25, 1933).
The following forms of prayer are given as examples of spiritual Communion:
My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrement. I love Thee above all things and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee; permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee. (St. Alphonsus Maria de Ligouri)
At Thy Feet, O my Jesus, I prostrate myself and I offer Thee the repentance of my contrite heart, which is humbled in its nothingness and in Thy holy presence. I adore Thee in the Sacrament of Thy love, the ineffable Eucharist. I desire to receive Thee into the poor dwelling that my heart offers Thee. While waiting for the happiness of sacramental Communion, I wish to posess Thee in spirit. Come to me, O my Jesus, since I, for my part, am coming to Thee! May Thy love embrace my whole being in life and in death. I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee, I love Thee, Amen. (Raphael Cardinal Merry del Val)
There are no Latin translations offered.
Can’t find your Raccolta! Noooooo!!!
Don’t have one? Get one!!!
GJP,
May I ask who reprinted this 1957 edition?
I’ll repeat my caution from above: All indulgences previously granted which were not incorporated into the revised Enchiridion indulgentiarum are explicitly suppressed. The decree promulgating the new Enchiridion indulgentiarum (29 June 1968) states the following: “He [Paul VI] has ordered it to be the authoritative collection; suppressed are all general grants of indulgences not incorporated into the new Enchiridion as well as all the legislation on indulgences in the CIC […]”
Partial indulgences are no longer measured in terms of days or years. For a complete list of general concessions and norms to be observed in obtaining indulgences, see the latest Enchiridion indulgentiarum, 16 July 1999. From time to time, the Apostolic Penitentiary will also grant particular indulgences in connection with a special event. These are not general concessions (such as contained in the Enchiridion indulgentiarum), but can be obtained only during a specified time period.
Although a partial indulgence for “spiritual communion” happens to be included in the present Enchiridion indulgentiarum, many other prayers in the Raccolta are not. Of course there is no danger in using such a manual for personal prayer, but it is misleading to state that “an indulgence of 3 years” is obtained, when partial indulgences are no longer measured in this way.
The Raccolta
Prayers and Devotions Enriched with Indulgences
A.D. 2004
Loreto Publications
Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire
and
Preserving Christian Publications
Boonville, New York
Originally published in 1957 by Benzinger Brothers Inc.
Reprinted by:
Loreto Publications
P.O. Box 603
Fitzwilliam, NH 03447
Phone: 603-239-6671
Fax: 603-239-6671
http://www.LoretoPubs.org
In collaboration with:
Preserving Christian Publications
Boonville, NY
http://www.PCPbooks.com
ISBN: 1-930278-46-2
IMPRIMATUR
Fransiscus Card. Spellman
Archiepiscopus Neo-Eboracensis
CDN,
I was just reproducing what was in the Raccolta, word for word. I know what you mean, though.