It is therefore difficult in the context of this present letter not to mention the sad phenomena previously referred to. . Finally, ensuring the application of liturgical law is above all the responsibility of the bishop and only indirectly the religious superior. St. The following norms must therefore be respected. For pastoral reasons this manner of receiving communion has been legitimately established as the most common form in the Latin rite. Monaco, 31 October 1969 Was changing the mode reception of Communion one of them? Yet even here, the experts sometimes forgot the unrepeatable reality of original circumstances so that restoration is never quite the same. Guidelines for Receiving Holy Communion. As seen above, the U.S. bishops were not among the first to permit Communion in the hand. Djibouti, 6 March 1970 Communion in the hand is no more hygienic than Communion in the mouth. Copyright PrayTellBlog.com The fire of mercy has become for us a living sacrifice It is reported that a bishop shouted out, On the tongue or in the hand?. Do we accept an experience of the Real Presence only when the externals and the lingo of 1950 are seen and heard? Scotland, 7 July 1977 Yugoslavia, 1971 I would like to remind people to indicate clearly how they wish to receive. With regard to the second, we have many early witnesses including Paul (see 1 Cor 11:27) and the Didache (seechapter 14). In light of some genuinely moving testimonies on the merits of reception in the hand, we cannot ignore that reverence for the Eucharist and belief in the Real Presence among Catholic laity has greatly declined since around the time in which this practice reenterred the Roman Rite after a millennium of absence. [18] See Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 6.43.18. If, for some reason, the communicant is not able or willing to drink from the cup then that person should receive only under the form of bread. This helps explain why this line of thought isnt gaining much traction except on the right fringe. As to the way to carry out the new rite: one possible model is the traditional usage, which expresses the ministerial functions, by having the priest or deacon place the host in the hand of the communicant . In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. I used the wordnecessarilyas an equivalent to in and of itself. There is no inherent reason why Communion in the hand is less reverent. The faithful must be taught that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior and that therefore the worship of latria or adoration belonging to God is owed to Christ present in this sacrament. [18] Moreover, an early illuminated gospel, the Rosanno Gospels, depicts the last supper as a communion line, where the disciples receive in cupped hands while bowed. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ's prayer for us "that they may all be one" (Jn 17:21). This is the reason why you say after him: Amen.[21]. I guess my point is that regardless of our internal reverence (or lack thereof), the way we verbally and literally communicate our faith to others, especially our children, is still very important. [T]hose who restrict communicants to receive Holy Communion only in the hands are acting against the norms, as are those who refuse to Christ's faithful [the right] to receive Communion in the hand in dioceses that enjoy this indult. The Eucharist fulfills this call: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? For Catholics: As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. First, Chrysostom in one of his Homilies on Ephesians: What, do you not see the holy vessels so thoroughly cleansed all over, so resplendent? The bishop, however, might sometimes deal with the religious priest through his superior in these matters. It may well be the case that the sudden change in practice after Vatican II decreased devotion towards the Eucharist and belief in the true presence, and it may well be the case that there were bad actors who in fact desired this result. Henry Percival and ed. Our bishops have argued that Communion in the hand is the proper way for the faithful to respond to our Lord's invitation: "All of you, take and eat this." What the bishops overlook is the fact . Because those vessels are made so for our sakes. As I read above article, I didnt found name of my country India in the list of countries which have Indult for communion in hand. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer Amen. What a Priest Might Do If He Wants to Avoid It. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable. The causes are myriad and often interconnected. South Africa, 1971 If one is left-handed this is reversed. Later that year approval was given to Luxembourg, Scandinavia (Scandia), North Africa, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Monaco (see Notitiae v. 7 (1970), no. These guidelines replace the guidelines approved by the Administrative Committee of the NCCB in November 1986. And why so? Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. My simple point is that the individual ways our Church evolves over history have a significant impact on its life thereafter, often in ways we dont expect. The Communion Procession is an action of the Body of Christ. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (canon 844 4). Holt Orders cannot sustain the Church, no matter how much traditionalists preach priests are of the utmost importance. As a scholar of the early Church, I was surprised to learn that the practice of communion in the hand is such a hotly debated topic; it came to my attention during the early days of the pandemic, when many dioceses required communicants to receive in this way. Another will say the opposite; he says, On the contrary, if the wound of sin and the attack of the disease is in fact so great that such medicines need to be postponed, one ought to be removed from the altar by the authority of the bishop in order to do penance, and one ought to be reconciled by the same authority. What if we were passionate about all that? France, 6 June 1969 From this brief historical survey, however, we know that this need not be the case, and we can look to the Fathers for a pious example as we seek to foster reverence towards the Eucharist in the liturgy today. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. In the context of the reception of Communion, this means a cognizance of both Church history and contemporary cultural nuances. We should weigh very well the matters in which we appeal to conscience. But back in the West, where most of us at PT are from, the Church is struggling. When the communion is distributed under both kinds, it is never permitted to place in the hands of the communicants hosts which have first been placed in the Blood of the Lord. COVID-19 Additional Questions for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 Finance FAQ for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 Personnel FAQ for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 Remote Learning FAQ for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 International Students FAQ for Catholic Schools, Forming a New Prayer and Intercessory Team at Your Parish, Resources for Existing Intercessory Prayer Teams, Mooney Real Estate Holding Company and Parish Incorporations, Stewards for Tomorrow/Archdiocese of Detroit Endowment Foundation. There is also evidence that this was a contested subject (i.e., about what sins prevent someone from receiving), as it would continue to be throughout the history of the Church. That rhetorical flow and its further implicit objections (i.e., take care lest XYZ) *could* be a setup for a generous grant of indults, but given the overall negative tone I dont think it accidental or inconsequential that the prospect of permission is only mentioned in these cases where contrary practice already prevails. Leo P. McCauley FotC 64 (Catholic University of America Press: Washington, DC, 2000 [1970]). I beg to differ. All of us are only grasping a hint of it. 91). CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Holy Communion - New Advent The Pope grants that throughout the territory of your conference, each bishop may, according to his prudent judgment and conscience, authorize in his diocese the introduction of the new rite for giving communion. Just look at what making donating money an indulgence-eligible corporal work of mercy resulted in during the Renaissance. The same Instruction contained a reminder that the laws of the Church and the writings of the Fathers give ample witness of a supreme reverence and utmost caution toward the Eucharist and that this must continue. [16] Bede, Ecclesiastical History of the English People, 4.24. I dont think reception in the hand is destroying the Church like what some prominent leaders in the Church have implied, but this practice has still had wide ranging [and not entirely positive] ramifications in the Church over the last half century, far beyond the obvious choice of the individual communicant. Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. [13] In the far-flung regions of the empireGaul (modern-day France and Spain) we have the witness of Caesarius of Arles[14] and the council of Auxerre,[15] and in England, we have the Venerable Bede. Phillip Schaff and Henry Wace in NPNF Second Series, 14 (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1900). Click herefor a handout that can be placed in your bulletin for your parishioner. The Church understands the Communion Procession, in fact every procession in liturgy, as a sign of the pilgrim Church, the body of those who believe in Christ, on their way to the Heavenly Jerusalem. Finally, to the end that their coming to this heavenly table may be completely worthy and fruitful, the faithful should be instructed on its benefits and effects, for both the individual and society, so that their familial relationship to the Father who gives us our daily bread, may reflect the highest reverence for him, nurture love, and lead to a living bond with Christ, in whose flesh and blood we share. To be a pledge of everlasting life. Part 4. Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. So Indian Bishop conference have not got any Indult for communion in hand? [2] Cyprian, On the Good of Patience 14, On the Lapsed 16 and 26,and Letter 55.9. Ruff, I think we both agree that internal reverence is the most important aspect of this discussion (and therefore the ways each manner serves that) and I know many reverent people who do both. Pakistan, 29 October 1976 St. Todd, yes, the Church as a whole is growing thanks to the great efforts of missionaries in Africa and Asia (many are now coming back here), and yes, more people are receiving the Sacraments now than ever. North Africa,October 15 1969 And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. The Council was a start, but we have allowed ourselves to get sidetracked in silly and divisive banter. To lessen our evil inclinations. The option offered to the faithful of receiving the Eucharistic bread in their hand and putting it into their own mouth must not turn out to be the occasion for regarding it as ordinary bread or as just another religious article. Since Christ is really, substantially, sacramentally present but not physically, being OC over crumbs is not devotion. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916). The problem of lack of reverence stems not from the manner of receiving Communion but from the lack of faith, awe, and gratitude before this great mystery. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. The problem is a lack of intentionality across the board, starting with the laity. The new manner of giving communion must not be imposed in a way that would exclude the traditional practice. In the United States, the body of Bishops has determined that "[t]he norm is that Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling"and that a bow is the act of reverence made by those receiving (no. We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. Is the Catholic Church ever going to bring back communion wine? When we receive Communion, we become members of Christ's Body, the Church. Guidelines for Receiving Holy Communion - Catholic News Agency That said, there are dimensions to this discussion that I think are both valuable and havent been given much screen time overall. O Solomon, the thing which the Lord of your father Confess it and move on. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. How should this evidence be brought to bear on the modern conversation? Timothy O'Malley on the meaning of Eucharistic coherence in the life of the Church. If one is receiving in the hand the following is normative: upon approaching the minister of the Host extend the hands in the middle of the chest. [10] See John Damascene, On the Orthodox Faith, 4.13. However, this is likely to lead to many embarrassing instances for the faithful who approach communion unaware of the situation. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. The congregation returned to this issue in the instructionImmensae Caritatis,January 29, 1973: AAS 65 (1973) 264-271; Notitiae 9 (1973) 157-164: Part 4. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? Uruguay,October 15 1969 Copyright 2023 Eternal Word Television Network, Inc. Irondale, Alabama. The people administering the sacrament are asked to use hand sanitizer immediately before. It is clear that this mode of reception was considered reverent and was to be carried out in a reverent manner. This norm is supported by an Instruction by the Holy See regarding the Eucharist: "In distributing Holy Communion it is to be remembered that 'sacred ministers may not deny the sacraments to those who seek them in a reasonable manner, are rightly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them'(Code of Canon Law, can. All rights reserved. The option offered to the faithful of receiving the Eucharistic bread in their hand and putting it into their own mouth must not turn out to be the occasion for regarding it as ordinary bread or as just another religious article. I suspect that Christ can cope with particles that get dropped but the care we show, or the lack of care, is what counts. [4] Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on John 6.1 and 12.1. Per The Baltimore Catechism: Cardinals Thorne (Peru) and Caffarra (Bologna) have banned Communion in the hand, citing reasons of abuse and disrespect. And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. The recent survey asking Catholics about Holy Communion indicates that 70% DO NOT BELIEVE that Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus. To commemorate the death of Christ: "This do in remembrance of me." 2. This action by Christ's body, the Church assembled for the Eucharist, is manifested and supported by the Communion Chant, a hymn in praise of Christ sung by the united voices of those who believe in him and share his life. During the debate by the conference in the 1970s, a bishop said that he had seen a recent photo of Paul VI giving Communion in the hand to a little boy. After receiving Communion our bodies become holy chalices. Ive updated the post. First, Cyril: Coming up to receive, therefore, do not approach with your wrists extended or your fingers splayed, but making your left hand a throne for the right (for it is about to receive a King) and cupping your palm, so receive the Body of Christ; and answer: "Amen." [20] Here is what Theodore says: Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling - Vatican.va 1. When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Paraguay, 27 September 1971 Its just BREAD!!. Hence, my theory is that the wide granting of the indult exceeded its initially intended scope as continued prompting from advisors and larger-than-anticipated requests from conferences overcame the popes reluctance. It is not appropriate to reach out with the fingers and take the host from the person distributing. 51 (Feb), pg 62). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all. The debate was interrupted by lunch. Elizabeth Klein is an Assistant Professor of Theology at the, The Abandoned: Toward a Christocentric Phenomenology of Prayer, The Conclusion of Karl Rahner's Dissertation on the Origin of the Church from the Side Wound of the Crucified Christ. Debunking the myth that today's Communion in the hand - LifeSite It is not solely the result of some weird medieval form of reverence. The communicant replies, Amen, and receives the Sacrament either on the tongue or, where this is allowed, in the hand, the choice lying with the communicant. Elizabeth Klein is an Assistant Professor of Theology at the Augustine Institute. 7. And some who do have lost their strength or nerve. Personally, I think that when a priest with the care of souls holds the view that Communion on the tongue is preferable to the alternative practice, then the best thing he can do is inform the faithful of the bishops permission. For this reason, since the question of Communion in the hand is not a question of faith as such, and it has been approved by the legitimate authority, I do not believe that a priest can invoke conscience as a motive for refusing to apply a legitimate law. More people have received Communion in the past century. Do we have faith in the efficacy of the sacraments or not? Sacrilege is at an all-time high, yet use of the Sacrament of Confession is at an all-time low. On the one hand, I think this evidence precludes describing communion in the hand as intrinsically irreverent. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. Canada, 12 February 1970 I think proponents of tongue/kneeling will get a better hearing if they uphold all aspects of Communion. The usage of communion in the hand must be accompanied by relevant instruction or catechesis on Catholic teaching regarding Christs real and permanent presence under the eucharistic elements and the proper reverence toward this sacrament. England and Wales, 6 March 1976 [16] Liturgical evidence from Rome is always sparser than one would like, but Eusebius preserves a mention of communion in the hand in a letter written from Dionysius of Alexandria to Sixtus I, bishop of Rome,[17] and in a letter of Cornelius, bishop of Rome. The oldest reference to the Eucharist in the New Testament occurs in chapters 11 and 12 of the First Letter to the Corinthians, which has no reference to receiving Holy Communion on the tongue. FYI, the announcement that approval for Communion in the Hand was given (in 1969) to Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, and Chad appeared in Notitiae in v. 6 (1969), no. The elements were placed in the hands (not in the mouth) of each communicant by the clergy who were present, or, according to Justin, by the deacons alone, amid singing of psalms by the congregation (Psalm 34), with the words: The body of Christ; The blood of Christ, the cup of life; to each of which the recipient responded Amen. (eminent Church historian Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church: Ante-Nicene Christianity: A.D. 100-325 [Vol. 48 (Sept/Oct), pg 361. The following norms must, therefore, be respected. Have reverence for the honor which God has bestowed upon it, and do not lead it down to the vileness of sin.[27]. For some, however, the experience of the Communion Procession is far more prosaic, analogous perhaps to standing in line in the supermarket or at the motor vehicle bureau. Under the moral aspect will be considered, in reference to Holy Communion: necessity; subject; dispositions. It is simply reading too much into this practice, and it is not correct to support something one favors by denigrating another practice. Care must also be taken that the communicants have clean hands and that their comportment is becoming and in keeping with the practices of the different peoples. When receiving in the hand, the communicant should be guided by the words of St. Cyril of Jerusalem . The most ancient practice of distributing Holy Communion was, with all probability, to give Communion to the faithful in the palm of the hand. No wonder so many people there have given up on Christianity. PDF Instructions on Receiving Holy Communion with Proper Reverence Some advocates of communion on the tongue, at least online, seem guilty of thinking that (however much more virtuous than I they probably are in their lives). Bishops Cannot Mandate Communion on the Hand or Forbid Communion on the Ireland, 4 September 1976 If we follow the example of the Fathers, we will prioritize practices that prevent the dropping of the Eucharist and catechizing communicants not to receive in a state of mortal sin. Follow-up: Objecting to Communion in the Hand (10-16-2018), Pursuant to my reflections on Communion in the hand (October 2), a reader from France claimed that It is totally justified to claim that Communion in the hand is necessarily less reverent or inevitably leads to abuses. How to Take Communion in the Catholic Church: 10 Steps - wikiHow Your email address will not be published. In defending his push to give Communion to grave sinners, McElroy reiterated his belief that conscience has the "privileged place" over doctrine in decision-making and suggested that it can . Has done The General Instruction of the Roman Missal takes this hymn very seriously, mandating that it should begin at the Communion of the priest and extend until the last person has received Communion. For you hear the words, the Body of Christ and respond Amen. Be then a member of the Body of Christ that your Amen may be true (St. Augustine, Sermon 272: PL 38, 1247). After stipulating the historical practice of Communion in the hand, Memoriale Domini: defends the development of discipline that led to Communion on the tongue Zambia, 11 March 1974 915). For it is a deed fraught with destruction to take the tongue which serve such awesome mysteries, which has become purpled with a blood so precious, which has become a sword of gold and to change its course to abuse, insolence and ribald jests. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? - AOD But is the impression they give generally correct? This is in no way meant to refer to those who, receiving the Lord Jesus in the hand, do so with profound reverence and devotion, in those countries where this practice has been authorized.. "You're talking to someone who has only owned a smartphone for a yearI resisted," he said. They probably never foresaw its subsequent, and occasionally chaotic, development in some parts of the Church. 5. God has come to live in us. Paul W. Harkins ACW 31 (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1963). Cyril of Jerusalem [c. 313-386], Catechetical Lectures, 23:21-22) Several more but no room here. The US might have been little-touched by the scorched earth of world war, and perhaps our feel-good stance astride the planet delayed the decay somewhat. My country is not on this list but holy communion is the norm. On the part of both the minister and the recipient, whenever the host is placed in the hand of a communicant there must be careful concern and caution, especially about particles that might fall from the hosts. How to Properly Receive Communion on the Hands - catholiclegion 895. Fire came down and consumed the sacrifices of Elijah The communicant may choose whether to receive the Body of Christ in the hand or on the tongue. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable.. Our procession should move with dignity; our bearing should be that of those who know they have been redeemed by Christ and are coming to receive their God! On the other hand, this mode of communion is not anywhere associated with lay involvement or accessibility, nor is it thought to de-emphasize the role of the priest. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Their attitude of reverence must measure up to what they are doing. LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Catholics want to know if it is allowed for their bishops and priests to require Communion be received only on in the hand instead of on the tongue. At the same time, it is not justified to claim that Communion in the hand is necessarily less reverent or inevitably leads to abuses. (Original Latin text here, see pp. W.R., Goa, India. It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better prepared groups and in favorable settings. It is a matter of particular seriousness that in places where the new practice is lawfully permitted every one of the faithful have the option of receiving communion on the tongue and even when other persons are receiving communion in the hand. In such cases, episcopal conferences should examine matters carefully and should make whatever decisions, by a secret vote and with a two-thirds majority, are needed to regulate matters. This catechesis must succeed in excluding any suggestion that in the mind of the Church there is a lessening of faith in the eucharistic presence and in excluding as well any danger or hint of danger of profaning the Eucharist. This reply aged like Milk (currently January 2022). So whats missing? Look how military inspectors demand very high standards of care when inspecting barracks for cleanliness. Part I - Holy Communion: The Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus - USCCB James Shapiro, a literature prof at Columbia, says the situation is catastrophic: One reason was the way of the world. 896. Surveys from CARA and Pew reflect this, though I admittedly doubted them until I attended mass with a fellow Catholic at church that predominantly received on the tongue and my friend jeering remarked, why dont they receive in the hand like normal people? ODonaghues post, I note with interest that the countries in which Communion in the hand is alleged to have been most prevalent either did not apply for or at any rate receive an indult in these first 8 years of results. It also happens, on occasion, that the free choice of those who prefer to continue the practice of receiving the Eucharist on the tongue is not taken into account in those places where the distribution of Communion in the hand has been authorized. The way you put it, it doesnt sound obsessive-compulsive but salutary. Featured Image: Rossano Gospels, Last Supper, 6th c.; Source: Wikimedia Commons, PD-Old-100. The very idea of people regularly receiving Communion (and even receiving Communion as part of the liturgy to the Eucharist itself) were relatively new ideas at the time of the Council. Today, both manners of receiving Communion are worthy and licit. [8] John Chrysostom, Homilies on Ephesians, Baptismal Instruction 12.1516, On the Incomprehensible Nature of God 6.36, and On the Priesthood 3.4.

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