[9] Theodore of Mopsuestia, Catechetical Homilies 6. Scotland, 7 July 1977 Aaron, this describes what the countries are to do where Communion in the hand was being practiced. [10] See John Damascene, On the Orthodox Faith, 4.13. Sure, Ill go along with that. All of us should receive with great reverence and respect. It is standard procedure so I wonder what the basis of this accusation is. All the rites which use leavened bread are reverent but not obsessive. The cultural backing. I suspect that Christ can cope with particles that get dropped but the care we show, or the lack of care, is what counts. My country is not on this list but holy communion is the norm. The problem is a lack of intentionality across the board, starting with the laity. Come see, 5. From a hygienic point of view, the hand carries a huge amount of bacteria. It was proved that belief in the Real Presence is abysmal. But we doyes, verily. Since practices vary from one church to another, we hope these guidelines help you feel more at home. The sad fact that in recent years hosts consecrated by a Pope have been offered for sale on the Internet further motivates this precautionary measure. So they reintroduced the practice of Communion in the hand (it had been originally introduced as a widespread practice by the Arian heretics of the Fourth Century to deny that Jesus is God). However, since it is a permission, it does not generate an absolute right, and the pastors can rescind the permission, either generally or in particular circumstances if objective motives exist for doing so. The faithful should consume the host before returning to their place; the ministers part will be brought out by use of the usual formulary, The body of Christ, to which the communicant replies: Amen. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. I dont read any statement with canonical force saying that only those countries may apply for an indult. When we move in procession, particularly the procession to receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Communion, we are a sign, a symbol of that pilgrim Church "on the way.". [21] Theodore of Mopsuestia, catech. 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. 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. Receiving the host in one's hand has been an option in the United States since the bishops authorized this in May 1977 and the Holy See confirmed it. A. Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist: Timothy O'Malley on the meaning of Eucharistic coherence in the life of the Church. They would find many more areas we all need to work on than just their main focus. 13.3, trans. 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). Because, he says, one should choose the days on which one lives with more purity and self-control in order to approach so great a sacrament worthily. 91). [6] In Syria (what we now call Turkey and surrounding regions) it is witnessed by Basil the Great,[7] John Chrysostom,[8] Theodore of Mopsuestia,[9] John Damascene[10] and the Council of Constantinople in Trullo (also called the Quinisext council). The author seems to think that liturgical reforms should consist of only what an ecumenical council prescribed. 51 (Feb), pg 62). As soon as the communicant receives the host, he or she consumes the whole of it. 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. Luxembourg, October 15 1969 [24] Trans. This blog is not associated with Pray Tell: An open forum on faith in South Texas. 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. The host will then be laid in the palm of the left hand and then taken by the right hand to the mouth. Later that year approval was given to Luxembourg, Scandinavia (Scandia), North Africa, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Monaco (see Notitiae v. 7 (1970), no. Confess it and move on. St. Basil the Great, 330-379 stated, "The right to receive Holy Communion in the hand is permitted only in times of persecution." This statement may very well have been made in response to St. Cyril of Jerusalem in 348. 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). Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. It is not appropriate to reach out with the fingers and take the host from the person distributing. Hence any baptized Catholic who is not prevented by law must be admitted to Holy Communion. enough bread and wine are made ready for the communication of the faithful at each Mass.45 As a general rule, Holy Communion is given from hosts . The history of the liturgy, however, makes clear that rather early on a . 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. [25] Origen of Alexandria, homily in Ex. If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. I did an internet search about the history of communion in the hand in the U.S. and the only thing I found was an article by the NLM. Paul VI had a measure of it in 1974, and we hav emostly missed the wisdom of Evangelii Nuntiandi. The Holy See has made it abundantly clear that both manners of reception of Communion - on the tongue and in the hand - are permitted, that Communion should be received reverently, and that the manner of reception should not become an occasion of division in the church. Hard to believe that Catechesis has never been better if that fundamental is misunderstood. It is clear that this mode of reception was considered reverent and was to be carried out in a reverent manner. 4. 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. 48 (Sept/Oct), pg 361. 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. Has done Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. 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. In this context, I think it is fair to say that the present practice of Communion in the hand is not a simple restoration of a historical custom but rather introduced a new practice in new circumstances which, while it has some historical justification, is essentially motivated by current pastoral concerns in some parts of the world. Nowhere in this article did I see what the CHURCH says about Holy Communion, only the writers opinion. Then he saw that it was futile. The Eucharist fulfills this call: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. Yet even here, the experts sometimes forgot the unrepeatable reality of original circumstances so that restoration is never quite the same. The symptoms are myriadI certainly would assent to much of what you cite. But there is more to the story. Whatever one thinks about the practice today and its reemergence after Vatican II, it is important that our conversation be grounded in an accurate picture of the history of this practice. Bolivia, October 15 1969 Chad, 18 September 1969 Fire came down and consumed the sacrifices of Elijah The list obviously is not complete, for this article says that Germany and France both received permission from the Holy See on the same day in 1969: God has come to live in us. [20] Cyril of Jerusalem, myst. This practice has been requested by individual episcopal conferences and has received approval from the Apostolic See. They are also to be instructed not to omit after communion the sincere and appropriate thanksgiving that is in keeping with their individual capacities, state, and occupation. Ireland, 4 September 1976 However, it was a brief exchange with ones immediate neighbors and at a time when men and women occupied separate aisles in the church. These considerations can perhaps help balance our perspective (whether in favor or against the practice of communion in the hand), and alert us to the fact that reverence is a complex phenomenon that, of course, does involve postures of the body, but most importantly, the attitude of the heart. 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. And why so? Pope Paul Vl calls attention to the purpose of the InstructionMemoriale Dominiof 29 May 1969, on retaining the traditional practice in use. This is a fundamental misunderstanding. 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. 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). (I dont direct this at you, I mean it to everyone on all sides.). Please remember that there is no "right" way to receive. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Indeed, it can be dangerous for contagion. It describes one of the purposes of the opening song of the Mass as to "foster the unity of those who have been gathered" (no. 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. (Original Latin text here, see pp. Do we have faith in the efficacy of the sacraments or not? 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. To signify, seal, and apply to believers all the benefits of the new covenant. [22] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10, trans. It is difficult for some of us to embrace this emphasis on Mass as the action of a community rather than an individual act of my own faith and piety, but it is important that we make every effort to do so. 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. I think proponents of tongue/kneeling will get a better hearing if they uphold all aspects of Communion. We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. 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. 21. [2] Cyprian, On the Good of Patience 14, On the Lapsed 16 and 26,and Letter 55.9. A quick example will be found . http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Handkommunion. 3. It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. Excelling, therefore, every sensible creature, he who by the saving Passion has attained to the celestial dignity, eating and drinking Christ, is fitted in all respects for eternal life, sanctifying his soul and body by the participation of divine grace. But to us our Lord has given both . Many pathogens are transmitted through the hands. 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. Pope Paul Vl calls attention to the purpose of the InstructionMemoriale Dominiof 29 May 1969, on retaining the traditional practice in use. The condition is the complete avoidance of any cause for the faithful to be shocked and any danger of irreverence toward the Eucharist. To lessen our evil inclinations. Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? [4] Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on John 6.1 and 12.1. OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF. Ive updated the post. Of note for the modern debate, both John Chrysostom and the Council of Constantinople in Trullo argue that human beings, made in the image of God and capable of communing with him, are more worthy to touch the Eucharist than vessels of gold and silver. The option must not turn out to be the occasion for regarding it as ordinary bread or as just another religious article., I feel this is a underrated point in recent discussions on the reception of Holy Communion, both here on PT and elsewhere. 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. So then after having carefully hallowed your eyes by the touch of the Holy Body, partake of it; giving heed lest you lose any portion thereof; for whatever you lose, is evidently a loss to you as it were from one of your own members. vehementer hortatur retention of current practice while invoking the common good of the Church. It is now August 2020 and I can say that you have been proven wrong. The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. A parish priest, or the rector of a sanctuary, might have objective reasons for not applying the permission if there is any danger of profanation or lack of respect. On this point, I will leave you with a beautiful exhortation from the Golden Tongue: Think of what you receive in your hand and never lift it to strike another and never disgrace with the sin of assault the hand that has been honored with so great a gift. 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 . 3. The missal of 1570 eliminated almost all sequences and moved the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar to the beginning of the Order of Mass though the Council of Trent never said a word about either. In comparing the indult list provided in this post with the brief history of Fr. 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 must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. Maybe this is part of a grand conspiracy by Satan to destroy the Church (ok, probably not that). Cardinals Thorne (Peru) and Caffarra (Bologna) have banned Communion in the hand, citing reasons of abuse and disrespect. Madagascar 2 March 1970 My three hypotheses were less well researched opinions on my part, theyre not (that last one was a joke on Cdl Sarahs comments, sorry if that wasnt clear), but simply launchpoints in an honest discussion on the impact of Pope Pauls Indult, and the circumstances surrounding it, whether or not they hold any real merit. Jeffrey T. Wickes FotC 130 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 2015). To unite us to Himself and to nourish our soul with His Catechesis has been virtually non-existent or flat-out heretical for the last 50 years. I have celebrated Mass in places where there is no Communion in the hand and yet have observed some people approach the Eucharist in a slovenly and distracted manner with nary a trace of reverence in sight. In this he shows a great fear, and since the hand that is stretched out holds a higher rank, it is the one that is extended for receiving the body of the King, and the other hand bears and brings its sister hand, while not thinking that it is playing the role of a servant, as it is equal with it in honour, on account of the bread of the King, which is also borne by it. But "the sign of communion is more complete when given under both kinds, since in that form the sign of the Eucharistic meal appears more clearly." This is the usual form of receiving communion in the Eastern rites. 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: Interestingly, during the Middle Ages, the reception of Holy Communion was restricted to "on the tongue" because of abuses. The guidelines, which are to be included in missalettes and other participation aids published in the United States, seek to remind all those who may attend Catholic liturgies of the present discipline of the Church with regard to the sharing of Eucharistic Communion. As seen above, the U.S. bishops were not among the first to permit Communion in the hand. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. 5.21, trans. Why did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist? I think the Holy Spirit was nudging people closer to the problem, which was already in evidence decades before the Council. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. These need to be taken seriously if one wants to effectively engage in these discussions with the likes of Cardinal Sarah and others. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the Eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. 284-287 is to be followed.. A passage from St. Cyril of Jerusalem is used to persuade Catholics that Communion in the hand is an ancient practice legitimately restored after Vatican II. Middle Africa, 3 February 1970 I honestly get sick of it too. The Church in Europe struggled mightilyand some might say in futilityagainst centuries of violence, sect on sect, nation vs nation. In the case of communion under both kinds by way of intinction, it is never permitted to place on the hand of the communicant the host that has been dipped in the Lords blood.. Ever since the InstructionMemoriale Dominithree years ago, some of the conferences of bishops have been requesting the Apostolic See for the faculty to allow ministers distributing communion to place the eucharistic bread in the hand of the faithful. All our lives we who believe in Christ are moving in time toward that moment when we will be taken by death from this world and enter into the joy of the Lord in the eternal Kingdom he has prepared for us. [] It is not permitted for the faithful to take the consecrated Bread or the sacred chalice by themselves and, still less, to hand them on from one to another among themselves. United States, 17 June 1977 Fast forward to 2004, when The Congregation for Divine Worship in its new Instruction named Redemptionis Sacramentum, stated: "Although each of the faithful always has the right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, at his choice, if any communicant should wish to receive the Sacrament in the hand the sacred host is to be administered . I would like to remind people to indicate clearly how they wish to receive. Therefore, it is not licit to deny Holy Communion to any of Christ's faithful solely on the grounds, for example, that the person wishes to receive the Eucharist kneeling or standing" (Redemptionis Sacramentum, no. IMHO no, contrary to what some real traddies may say. 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. In order to be properly disposed to . Some of the online advocates of kneeling/tongue seem to focus only on adoration of the Real Presence and now a cardinal has said that those who receive standing in the hand most Catholics by far! Obviously, for better or worse, the NLM has an agenda. This reply aged like Milk (currently January 2022). For you believe, and correctly, that you are answerable if anything falls from there by neglect.[25]. Does anyone have an explanation for why France, Germany, and the Low Countries were not quickly regularized once the opportunity was available? In an even more elevated tone, Ephrem the Syrian, in a stunning passage, invites the Christian communicant to feel awe at what is placed in his or her hand, since even the Seraph did not take the divine coal with his hand, nor did the prophet Isaiah eat it (see: Isa 6:6). Therefore I stand by what I wrote in the original: In this context I think it is fair to say that the present practice of Communion in the hand is not a simple restoration of a historical custom but rather introduced a new practice in new circumstances which, while it has some historical justification, is essentially motivated by current pastoral concerns in some parts of the world.. They partake not of Him that is in them, they perceive Him not. Henry Percival and ed. O Solomon, the thing which the Lord of your father This formula should not be altered, as it is a proclamation which calls for a response of faith on the part of the one who receives. The Netherlands, 18 September 1969 They probably never foresaw its subsequent, and occasionally chaotic, development in some parts of the Church.
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