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The Church is taught and guided by the Catholic Bishops who are in communion with one another and with the Pope. God has given us the Pope as our bond of unity. Only those Bishops who remain in union with the Pope (who is like the gem-stone in a ring of stones) are fulfilling God's plan and providing, with the Pope, authentic leadership for the Church.

It is no small matter, in Christ's sight, that many Christians don't complete their Christian initiation because their leaders have invalid Orders, and so children who have been baptised are not confirmed and do not receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

Christ loves to bring His friends refreshment and new courage through His Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Whoever adores Christ before the tabernacle or monstrance, or receives Holy Communion, can be sure that, standing very close to Christ, are His Holy Mother and all the Saints too.

Where spiritual friends are open-hearted, and one receives Christ in Holy Communion, Christ's glory is so great that it blazes forth and even touches and 'scorches' the other friend.

If we are one with Christ in the Mass in the living memorial of the Sacrifice of the Cross, we are one with Christ in His Eternal self-offering in the inner life of the Blessed Trinity. That is why the Holy Eucharist is a pledge of future glory as well as a sacrifice for sin. To belong to Christ and to receive Him in Holy Communion is a foretaste of the union and communion that we can enjoy for all Eternity if we remains faithful.

If we are one with Christ in the Mass in the living memorial of the Sacrifice of the Cross, we are one with Christ in His Eternal self-offering in the inner life of the Blessed Trinity. That is why the Holy Eucharist is a pledge of future glory as well as a sacrifice for sin. To belong to Christ and to receive Him in Holy Communion is a foretaste of the union and communion that we can enjoy for all Eternity if we remains faithful.

When one soul is willing to pray with and for another, at a distance, it's as if the fire of charity in him is directed towards that other soul (as well as towards God).

When one soul is willing to pray with and for another, at a distance, it's as if the fire of charity in him is directed towards that other soul (as well as towards God).

The Christ we meet in Holy Communion is as if at the 'doorway' of three areas. He is the point at which His friends of earth, Purgatory and Heaven meet. We on earth are close to Him, but not yet wholly secure; the Holy Souls are safe forever, but cannot yet 'hold' Him; the Saints share His glory, and can never lose Him.

Our spiritual Communion, in the Communion of Saints, is like the connection in a conference call. We must keep the transmitter in good order, and the lines open by taking care of our souls. If we refuse to forgive anyone, for example, it's as if we deliberately walk away from God and our friends.

The Communion of Saints is like a whispering gallery in a Cathedral dome that can unite those far away. Each person can choose to be 'in communion' or to board himself away. Some, half-boarded, are not full members of the Catholic Church, or half-hearted Catholics. Those completely exposed are in communion even if very far apart geographically. Those absent have chosen to live in mortal sin.

No-one would want to walk down the aisle in a badly stained garment for everyone to see. Yet many people walk down the aisle, for Holy Communion, with their souls covered in huge 'stains' - which Jesus can see - the stains of unrepented sins.

A bride is horrified at seeing a stain on her dress, and we should also avoid having 'stains' on our souls, through serious sin, as we go up to receive Holy Communion.

Imagine how embarrassed a bride would be, whose dress had been stained by a spilled drink, and who then thought about her walk towards the altar. Similarly, everyone who approaches the altar to receive Holy Communion needs to think about their present state. Is there a large 'stain' on their soul, from serious sin, which makes them unfit to approach to receive Christ their Saviour?

A bride is horrified at seeing a stain on her dress, and we should also avoid having 'stains' on our souls, through serious sin, as we go up to receive Holy Communion.

The Three Divine Persons are united and active in the unity of the Godhead, as if circling in unceasing communion. In a circle around them the many Saints are also circling, living in the Godhead, in the light and bliss of Divine Love.

Flames billow out from the front of the altar. The fire represents the holiness of Christ in His Divinity, in His Real Presence on the altar. We need to ensure that we approach with awe as well as love - with no 'clothing of sin' that might catch fire from that conflagration.

He had been transformed by his Holy Communion and by the prayer of a friend. On his forehead shone a new gem, which radiated an extraordinary light: sign of a particular virtue.

Our Lady shared Christ's anguish as did no-one else on earth. Their hearts beat as one, during His Passion. He experienced her sympathy and consoling thoughts in an extraordinary spiritual communion.

With a peaceful heart, and a peaceful conscience, a happy friend of Christ can 'lean' on Him, in Holy Communion.