Last Friday (20 March), Pope Francis offered his Mass for those who are sick, those who care for the sick, and all those who are affected by the coronavirus. In his homily, he addressed those who are unable to receive Communion or the Sacrament of Confession during the coronavirus cris.

He said:

“Many will say to me today: ‘But, Father, where can I find a priest, a confessor, because one can’t leave home? And I want to make peace with the Lord, I want Him to embrace me, that my Papa embrace me. What can I do if I can’t find priests?’”

The Holy Father told the faithful to turn to the Catechism which instructs us to confess our sins to God.

“Do what the Catechism says. it’s very clear: if you don’t find a priest to hear your Confession, talk with God, He is your Father, and tell Him the truth: ‘Lord, I’ve done this, and that, and that – I’m sorry,’ and ask Him for forgiveness with all your heart, with the Act of Contrition and promise Him: ‘Afterwards I will go to Confession, but forgive me now.’”

For those unable to receive the Eucharist, Pope Francis’ offered the faithful a prayer for spiritual communion:

“My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar. I prostrate myself at your feet, O my Jesus, and I offer you the repentance of my heart, which abases itself in its nothingness and in your Holy Presence. I adore You in the Sacrament of your Love; I desire to receive You in the poor abode that my heart offers You. While awaiting the happiness of Sacramental Communion, I wish to possess you in spirit. Come to me, O my Jesus, that I may come to You. May your Love inflame my whole being in life and in death. Jesus, I believe in You, I hope in You, I love You.”