I wholeheartedly agree with your comment on another thread that this ongoing discussion is frivolous and is only causing needless division. Holt Orders cannot sustain the Church, no matter how much traditionalists preach priests are of the utmost importance. When receiving Communion in the hand can be sinful - LifeSite In order to be properly disposed to . Q: When the bishop in a diocese allows the faithful to receive Communion in the hand or on the tongue, can a priest, who objects on the grounds of conscience, refuse to give the faithful holy Communion in the hand? St. With regard to the second, we have many early witnesses including Paul (see 1 Cor 11:27) and the Didache (seechapter 14). Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. 95% of parishes shrinking, seminaries empty, young people disengaged: it will happen in Africa and Asia too when the culture of the secular West overwhelms the Third World. When receiving in the hand, the communicant should be guided by the words of St. Cyril of Jerusalem . When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. Communion on the Tongue is an Apostolic Tradition, and - Catholic365 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. 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. It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. How to Properly Receive Communion on the Hands - catholiclegion It is still the practice of millions of committed Latin-rite Catholics all over the world and of many Eastern Churches who administer the Eucharist under both species on the tongue. I dont read any statement with canonical force saying that only those countries may apply for an indult. 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 . Cardinals Thorne (Peru) and Caffarra (Bologna) have banned Communion in the hand, citing reasons of abuse and disrespect. Receiving communion in the hand was the common practice of the Church in both East and West for the first 800 years of Christianity, and it was certainly considered reverent by the Fathers. 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 condition is the complete avoidance of any cause for the faithful to be shocked and any danger of irreverence toward the Eucharist. 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. No wonder so many people there have given up on Christianity. The host will then be laid in the palm of the left hand and then taken by the right hand to the mouth. Their attitude of reverence must measure up to what they are doing. The following norms must, therefore, be respected. Australia, 26 September 1975 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. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. (Catholic Encyclopedia: Genuflexion) To unite us to Himself and to nourish our soul with His 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. 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. 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. The Reception of Holy Communion at Mass | USCCB The communicant should audibly respond, "Amen," indicating by that response his or her belief that this small wafer of bread, the wine in this chalice are in reality the body and blood of Christ the Lord. 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 quite deliberately eschewed entering the historical argument as it would have digressed from the main point of that article. Jesus wants to use our hands, which have now become His hands, to help those in need. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. [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. Nowhere in this article did I see what the CHURCH says about Holy Communion, only the writers opinion. Q. Never receive Holy Communion in the hand when your hands are impeded; e.g., carrying a cane or some other walking-assistance device, carrying a child in your arms, carrying a purse, have a tissue or handkerchief in your hand, have a cast on your hand, etc. Pray Tell here documents two statements of the Congregation for Divine Worship issued under Pope Paul VI. 51 (Feb), pg 62). It is always helpful to review instructions for receiving Communion. We would also do well to teach, as the Fathers do, that reverence is not only about proper reception of the Eucharist, but also about living the kind of life to which the Eucharist commits us. Zambia, 11 March 1974 Shapiro picked up an abused-looking iPhone from his desk. 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: vehementer hortatur retention of current practice while invoking the common good of the Church. To signify, seal, and apply to believers all the benefits of the new covenant. I similarly think Cardinal Sarahs frankly ridiculous comments about Lucifer are draining credibility from his cause (one that I admittedly align with sometimes), even if some of his proposals are good ones. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. The person distributing Communion says audibly to each person approaching, "The Body of Christ." 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. Our worship ought to create common unity under Christ, not destroy it. Wherefore, if any one wishes to be a participator of the immaculate Body in the time of the Synaxis, and to offer himself for the communion, let him draw near, arranging his hands in the form of a cross, and so let him receive the communion of grace. And why so? [] 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. 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. 1. What some call discipleship, others evangelizationnew or whatever, or some speak of discernment and application of spiritual gifts. How to Take Communion in the Catholic Church: 10 Steps - wikiHow Your email address will not be published. . Was changing the mode reception of Communion one of them? [10] See John Damascene, On the Orthodox Faith, 4.13. For Catholics: As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. 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.. 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. And of course Pope Paul VI was adamant that all the reforms carried out under him were faithful to the Second Vatican Council. For this alone is the eating referred to by our Lord ( John 6:58 ). Part 4. Q. If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. 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. Hence any baptized Catholic who is not prevented by law must be admitted to Holy Communion. For one who eats unworthily eats and drinks to his own condemnation (1 Cor 11:29). 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.. 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. 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. Most often when speaking of reverence, however, the Fathers emphasize two main things: 1) that every precaution should be taken lest the Eucharist fall to the ground and 2) that communicants should be from serious sin and quarrels with other Christians. 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 . The problem is a lack of intentionality across the board, starting with the laity. Never receive Holy Communion by extending only one hand. This is the quote that is always used: " make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King. The wind has left our sails and many of us are adrift on uncertain seas. His blood now flows through our veins. The debate was interrupted by lunch. 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. [5] In Jerusalem, we have the mystagogical catecheses of Cyril of Jerusalem (or perhaps of his successor, John). 21. 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. [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. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. The cultural backing. He said that he had checked with the then Apostolic Delegation and had been assured that the pope was giving the boy a rosary. Many pathogens are transmitted through the hands. A quick example will be found . When we receive Communion, we become members of Christ's Body, the Church. Has done In 1980 St. John Paul II wrote in the apostolic letterDominicae Cenae: In some countries, the practice of receiving Communion in the hand has been introduced. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? I think that settles it. The way you put it, it doesnt sound obsessive-compulsive but salutary. 3. Basil the Great, Doctor of the Church (330-379): "The right to receive Holy Communion in the hand is permitted only in times of persecution.". Your email address will not be published. There are many devout Catholics who find this practice helpful. Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. I beg to differ. And some who do have lost their strength or nerve. It is also difficult to ensure that the person who receives Communion effectively consumes the host. 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). We are the Body of Christ, moving forward to receive the Christ who makes us one with himself and with one another. Under the moral aspect will be considered, in reference to Holy Communion: necessity; subject; dispositions. 5. 3. [11] Council of Constantinople in Trullo, canon 101. The custom of placing the Sacred Particle in the mouth, rather than in the hand of the communicant, dates in Rome from the sixth, and in Gaul from the ninth century (Van der Stappen, IV, 227; cf. 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). 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. Since Christ is really, substantially, sacramentally present but not physically, being OC over crumbs is not devotion. 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. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. Maybe this is due to its similarity to practices in most Protestant churches, many of which (Anglicans and Lutherans notwithstanding) fundamentally dont believe in a sacramental Communion substance. The Eucharist may not be received while a person has mortal sin in their soul. But we doyes, verily. [19] This list is by no means exhaustive, and it would be tedious to cite all of these references as a catalog, but let us turn to a few of them to see what the Fathers have to say about the meaning of this practice. The Council was a start, but we have allowed ourselves to get sidetracked in silly and divisive banter. Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread (1 Cor 10:16-17). If, however, Communion is given under both kinds, the rite prescribed in nos. But one should not by his own judgment abstain from or return to communion, as he pleases. 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. As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. Do we have faith in the efficacy of the sacraments or not? Chad, 18 September 1969 Sure, Ill go along with that. Bishop Athanasius Schneider argued along the same lines at the end of February. To that which you are you respond Amen (yes, it is true!) and by responding to it you assent to it. They partake not of Him that is in them, they perceive Him not. 1396: In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. So the authors claim that he is exactly Vatican II is doubtful. However, he should not refuse to administer Communion to those faithful desirous of availing themselves of a legitimate authorization. Aaron, Others claim that in the context of the discourse St. Cyril was referring to the clergy and not to the faithful. Library : Holy Communion in the Hand? | Catholic Culture 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. Several readers pointed out that I made no mention of a text of St. Cyril when mentioning the historical foundations of the practice. (I dont direct this at you, I mean it to everyone on all sides.). On the one hand, I think this evidence precludes describing communion in the hand as intrinsically irreverent. Leo P. McCauley FotC 64 (Catholic University of America Press: Washington, DC, 2000 [1970]). Communion in the hand is allowed in the United States by decision of the American Bishops. 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. 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. Germany, 6 June 1969