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 as any danger or hint of danger of profaning the Eucharist. Bishops who have been permitted to introduce the new rite of communion are asked to send a report to the congregation, six months hence, on the outcome. 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. It is now August 2020 and I can say that you have been proven wrong. The Netherlands, 18 September 1969 Required fields are marked *. Gross Alexander NPNF 13, ed. It is also difficult to ensure that the person who receives Communion effectively consumes the host. It is clear that this mode of reception was considered reverent and was to be carried out in a reverent manner. There is so much to Communion. Hard to believe that Catechesis has never been better if that fundamental is misunderstood. When we receive Communion, we become members of Christ's Body, the Church. It is standard procedure so I wonder what the basis of this accusation is. Other way round, it was in the hand and changed to the tongue circa 900 in the west. Since practices vary from one church to another, we hope these guidelines help you feel more at home. This was the law of the Church for almost 14 centuries, and is still the general norm today. 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. 4. I beg to differ. Malaysia and Singapore, 3 October 1977, * * * * *. First, Chrysostom in one of his Homilies on Ephesians: What, do you not see the holy vessels so thoroughly cleansed all over, so resplendent? In the context of the reception of Communion, this means a cognizance of both Church history and contemporary cultural nuances. All the rites which use leavened bread are reverent but not obsessive. 6. 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. Phillip Schaff (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1889). The [Seraph] did not hold it, and [Isaiah] did not eat it Alphonse Mingana (Gorgias Press: Piscataway, NJ, 2009 [1933]). [10] See John Damascene, On the Orthodox Faith, 4.13. Rather maddeningly, it is the Anglicans who in the West have retained the practice as described by St. Cyril, while contemporary Latin-rite Catholics tend to consume the Host as if it were a potato chip., From the historical point of view, we can say that there is strong evidence that the practice existed in early centuries in some areas of the Church. I dont read any statement with canonical force saying that only those countries may apply for an indult. Thanks for this, Dennis. 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). ), Pray Tell: An open forum on faith in South Texas. So when received unworthily, it is not only useless, but it is harmful to oneself (a lifestyle of sin continues), our neighbors (increase of violence, arson, looting, murders), and society in general (take a look at the condition of our country), and is extremely offensive to God (hence the wide-spread suffering). It is simply reading too much into this practice, and it is not correct to support something one favors by denigrating another practice. [11] In East Syria (what we would now call the Middle East) we have evidence from Ephrem the Syrian[12] and Narsai. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? Take a step or two to the side to make way for the next communicant, then receive our Lord. So the authors claim that he is exactly Vatican II is doubtful. Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. [16] Bede, Ecclesiastical History of the English People, 4.24. [18] See Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 6.43.18. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. 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. Over and over again the prayers of the liturgy and the norms of the General Instruction emphasize this fundamental concept of the unity of the baptized, stressing that when we come together to participate in the Eucharistic celebration we come, not as individuals, but as united members of Christ's Body. 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. 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. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. 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. The infamous coffee cup masses Dorothy Day describes in her book may have had good intentions behind them, but the way they appeared to trivialize the Holy Sacrifice of the mass lent no dignity to the then new Pauline mass. To increase sanctifying grace and all virtues in our soul. Fire consumed the offering Their attitude of reverence must measure up to what they are doing. Instead this option must increase in them a consciousness of the dignity of the members of Christs Mystical Body, into which they are incorporated by baptism and by the grace of the Eucharist. The way we communicate the Gospel message is almost as important as the Gospel itself. Under the moral aspect will be considered, in reference to Holy Communion: necessity; subject; dispositions. 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. To unite us to Himself and to nourish our soul with His 6, trans. Jeffrey T. Wickes FotC 130 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 2015). For some, however, the singing of this hymn is perceived as an intrusion on their own prayer, their private thanksgiving after Communion. Communion on the tongue is recommended and considered the most consonant way to receive the Eucharist, while Communion on the hand is permitted, provided that certain precautions are observed, such as checking to see if any fragments of the Host remain on the palm of the hand. The symptoms are myriadI certainly would assent to much of what you cite. This reply aged like Milk (currently January 2022). With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer Amen. in Eph 3, trans. Featured Image: Rossano Gospels, Last Supper, 6th c.; Source: Wikimedia Commons, PD-Old-100. Aaron, this describes what the countries are to do where Communion in the hand was being practiced. Today, both manners of receiving Communion are worthy and licit. All rights reserved. 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. Mingle and flow into the palms of his disciples![22]. [5] John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent 28. 48 (Sept/Oct), pg 361. If a priest has great personal difficulty due to deeply and sincerely held views regarding this practice, he can always petition the bishop for a personal exemption or a permission to not apply this permission to his parish. 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. 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. While we cannot admit them to Holy Communion, we ask them to offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer 'Amen'. 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: Cyril of Jerusalem and Theodore of Mopsuestia liken the practice to that of receiving a king, and both of them note the method of reception was in joined hands (also described in other sources as hands in the form of a cross). A Journal of the McGrath Institute for Church Life, by Elizabeth Klein Jesus wants to use our hands, which have now become His hands, to help those in need. Councils establish principles (and rarely go into specific points) and then leave it to a commission to carry out the detailed work after the Council. For pastoral reasons this manner of receiving communion has been legitimately established as the most common form in the Latin rite. 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. In this way, the practice of Communion in the hand is different from other liturgical elements restored after centuries of disuse, such as the prayer of the faithful and the exchange of peace. If our reader had said that he believed that Communion in the hand was more prone to dangers of accidents and profanation, I would accept the argument. We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. Bishops allowing introduction of the new way of receiving communion are requested to send to this Congregation after six months a report on the result of its concession.. What a Priest Might Do If He Wants to Avoid It. The way you put it, it doesnt sound obsessive-compulsive but salutary. St. Cyril of Jerusalem in 348 gave this instruction to his congregation:When you approach Holy Communion, make the left hand into a throne for the right, which will receive the King. 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. Your email address will not be published. Father, as to the limitation on what regions might request this indult, Memoriale Domini stipulated that Where a contrary usage, that of placing holy communion on the hand, prevails, the Holy See [] lays on those conferences the task of weighing carefully whatever special circumstances may exist there []. 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. 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. That the conference had voted twice but failed to approve the practice and then only won the third vote by gathering absentee votes which is the article claims was unlawful? Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. That said, there are dimensions to this discussion that I think are both valuable and havent been given much screen time overall. 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. It was proved that belief in the Real Presence is abysmal. Has done http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2014/03/truth-about-communion-in-hand-while.html#.Wpa2wdIUnGg. Does anyone have an explanation for why France, Germany, and the Low Countries were not quickly regularized once the opportunity was available? University of Notre Dame, McGrath Institute for Church Life Holt Orders cannot sustain the Church, no matter how much traditionalists preach priests are of the utmost importance. It is a matter of particular seriousness that in places where the new practice is lawfully permitted every one of the faithful has the option of receiving communion on the tongue and even when other persons are receiving communion in the hand. If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. 86). [25] Origen of Alexandria, homily in Ex. The cultural backing. At Christ's invitation, extended by the priest acting in Christ's person: "Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb," the members of the community move forward to share in the sacred meal, to receive the Body and Blood of Christ which is the sign and the source of their unity. One could have perfect adoration of Real Presence in humble posture and, at least in theory, miss the point of Communion. Bolivia, October 15 1969 According to Roman Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to the reception of Communion by Christians of these Churches (canon 844 3). I quite deliberately eschewed entering the historical argument as it would have digressed from the main point of that article. awr. Over the years I have read a multitude of opinions for and against, and occasionally perceived false arguments. cites vote tallies to defend a claim that a large majority (longe plurimos) of bishops not only oppose introducing Communion in the hand but consider it tum sensui tum spirituali cultui [] offensioni 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. 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. 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. For example, although Communion in the hand is generally permitted at the Vatican, in recent years ministers administrating Communion at large at papal Masses have been enjoined to distribute Communion only on the tongue. When receiving in the hand, the communicant should be guided by the words of St. Cyril of Jerusalem . "You're talking to someone who has only owned a smartphone for a yearI resisted," he said. 5. Even if we presume the authenticity of the text we still do not know how long the practice lasted, whether leavened or unleavened bread was used and whether the practice was exclusive to the Church of Jerusalem. The large numbers of faithful and the general hustle and bustle at the moment of communion make it quite easy for a host to fall to the ground. I used the wordnecessarilyas an equivalent to in and of itself. There is no inherent reason why Communion in the hand is less reverent. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. However, this is likely to lead to many embarrassing instances for the faithful who approach communion unaware of the situation. (Catholic Encyclopedia: Genuflexion) The debate was interrupted by lunch. Canada, 12 February 1970 They would find many more areas we all need to work on than just their main focus. 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 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. http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Handkommunion. [26] Augustine, Letter 54.3.4, trans. When the priest gives it he says: The body of Christ. He teaches you by this word not to look at that which is visible, but to picture in your mind the nature of this oblation, which, by the coming of the Holy Spirit, is the body of Christ. For example, to say that Communion in the hand is a sign of spiritual maturity, or that Communion on the tongue reduces the lay faithful to infancy, is belied by centuries of lay saints who received in this manner. Consider that you not only receive this gift in your hand, but that you also bring it up to your mouth, and keep your tongue clean of all disgraceful and outrageous words, blasphemy, perjury and all other sins of this sort. We owe the Lord as much attention to detail. Communion on the tongue remains the usual and common form of administering Holy Communion. 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.. 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. He said that he had checked with the then Apostolic Delegation and had been assured that the pope was giving the boy a rosary. I wholeheartedly agree with your comment on another thread that this ongoing discussion is frivolous and is only causing needless division. The Church in Europe struggled mightilyand some might say in futilityagainst centuries of violence, sect on sect, nation vs nation. 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. This is the reason why you say after him: Amen.[21]. Reverence can be good if it opens us to God & neighbor and makes us more loving. In the light of the above, we can come to the heart of the matter as to whether a priest may invoke the question of conscience in order to refuse to distribute Communion in the hand. 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. Can you direct me to where you obtained this list? In approaching therefore, come not with your wrists extended, or your fingers spread; but make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King. The traditional and preferred method is the reception of the Host on the tongue: Step forward and kneel at the Communion rail or station (if you stand, make a sign of reverencesuch as a bow or genuflection or Sign of the Crossbefore receiving the Host and take care not to disrupt the Communion line). For tell me, if any one gave you grains of gold, would you not hold them with all carefulness, being on your guard against losing any of them, and suffering loss? Bishop Athanasius Schneider argued along the same lines at the end of February. What if we were passionate about all that? In comparing the indult list provided in this post with the brief history of Fr. The Council of Saragossa, 380, excommunicated anyone who dared continue to receive Holy Communion in the hand. 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. 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. 51 (Feb), pg 62). Since Christ is really, substantially, sacramentally present but not physically, being OC over crumbs is not devotion. These practices have wide evidence of use and in some ways never died out completely. 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! 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 whatever reason, reception on the hand does not appear to convey the same level of reverence in the public consciousness as reception on the tongue. The restorers of the rite probably had the beautiful simplicity and symbolism of the medieval rite in mind but did not take the changed circumstances sufficiently into account. 1396: In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. While we have the option of receiving holy Communion either on the tongue or on the hand, we must always be mindful of receiving our Lord respectfully. We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. My sense is that if theres something demonic in all this it is the Galatians moment in which many Catholics find themselves, especially those on the traditional side. 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. If you are the body and members of Christ, then it is your sacrament that is placed on the table of the Lord; it is your sacrament that you receive. Among Catholics, there is a sincere difference of opinion with respect to the opportunity of this practice, as to its possible spiritual benefits or detriments. They should be grave and objective questions related to good and evil. 896. Eccl., VII, ix). In fact, however, this hymn is prayer, the corporate thanksgiving prayer of the members of Christ's Body, united with one another. The General Instruction asks each country's Conference of Bishops to determine the posture to be used for the reception of Communion and the act of reverence to be made by each person as he or she receives Communion. can. [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 Council of Saragossa (380): Excommunicated anyone who dared continue . 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. 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. The communicant may choose whether to receive the Body of Christ in the hand or on the tongue. Alternatively, it is permissible to adopt a simpler procedure, namely, allowing the faithful themselves to take the host from the ciborium or paten. Q. Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA. It seems appropriate to conclude this reflection on the Communion Procession and the reception of Communion with a quotation from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. There is a twofold purpose here: that none will find in the new rite anything disturbing to personal devotion toward the Eucharist; that this sacrament, the source and cause of unity by its very nature, will not become an occasion of discord between members of the faithful. From a hygienic point of view, the hand carries a huge amount of bacteria. 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. So whats missing? Jamaica, 12 March 1970 Look how military inspectors demand very high standards of care when inspecting barracks for cleanliness.
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