Why? On the other hand, if the sins are not so great that a person should be judged to deserve excommunication, he ought not to withdraw from the daily medicine of the Lords body.[26]. Never receive Holy Communion by extending only one hand. [25] Origen of Alexandria, homily in Ex. 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. 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. Yugoslavia, 1971 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. For pastoral reasons this manner of receiving communion has been legitimately established as the most common form in the Latin rite. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable. Biting, tearing, casting aspersions on the faith of other Catholics: this is a damnable situation in the Church. To unite us to Himself and to nourish our soul with His 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. I think that settles it. 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. 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. Theres no simple solution to this issue. His blood now flows through our veins. You should thus draw near with great awe and love, according to the greatness of that which is given: with awe, because of the greatness of (its) honour; and with love, because of (its) grace. 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. 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. 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. [17] See Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 7.9.4. [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. I mean WHAT SPECIFIC REASONS were given for requesting it in the first place? What if our way of calling our fellow Christians to a higher way were based on loving example and not polemics? 6. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? On reverence for the Eucharist and belief in the Real Presence among Catholic laity has greatly declined I dont think this has ever been proven. July 2, 2020 ( LifeSiteNews) Many bishops around the world are attempting to compel Catholics, who are in the right dispositions to approach the Holy Eucharist, to receive Our Lord in the. The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. 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 congregation returned to this issue in the instructionImmensae Caritatis,January 29, 1973: AAS 65 (1973) 264-271; Notitiae 9 (1973) 157-164: Part 4. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. Communion on the tongue remains the usual and common form of administering Holy Communion. 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. 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. Other way round, it was in the hand and changed to the tongue circa 900 in the west. It was designed: 1. 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. 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.. [23] John Chrysostom, hom. 843 1; cf. 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], To receive the Sacrament which is given, a person stretches out his right hand, and under it he places the left hand. 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. 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! Will you not then much more carefully keep watch, that not a crumb fall from youSt. To signify, seal, and apply to believers all the benefits of the new covenant. A perception such as this is a dreadfully inaccurate and impoverished understanding of what is a significant religious action. It is simply reading too much into this practice, and it is not correct to support something one favors by denigrating another practice. Phillip Schaff (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1889). Their attitude of reverence must measure up to what they are doing. 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. Indonesia, 27 March 1971 [9] Theodore of Mopsuestia, Catechetical Homilies 6. As soon as the communicant receives the host, he or she consumes the whole of it. Maybe this is part of a grand conspiracy by Satan to destroy the Church (ok, probably not that). If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. R. E. Heine FotC 21 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 1982). And why so? 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. I honestly get sick of it too. 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. In each of the Eucharistic Prayers, though the petition is worded in slightly different ways, God is asked to send his Holy Spirit to make us one body, one spirit in Christ; the General Instruction admonishes the faithful that "they are to form one body, whether in hearing the Word of God, or in taking part in the prayers and in the singing" (no. 3. However, cases of a deplorable lack of respect towards the Eucharistic species have been reported, cases which are imputable not only to the individuals guilty of such behavior but also to the pastors of the church who have not been vigilant enough regarding the attitude of the faithful towards the Eucharist. Has the Holy Eucharist any other effect? 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). As seen above, the U.S. bishops were not among the first to permit Communion in the hand. (I dont direct this at you, I mean it to everyone on all sides.). [15] See the council of Auxerre, canon 36 (it directs women not to receive on their bare hands, but with their hand covered by a cloth). 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. October 13, 2022. 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. Part 4. The fire of mercy has become for us a living sacrifice What if we were passionate about all that? Above all, it is necessary to have the introduction of the rite preceded by an effective catechesis so that the people will clearly understand the meaning of receiving in the hand and will practice it with the reverence owed to the sacrament. http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2014/03/truth-about-communion-in-hand-while.html#.Wpa2wdIUnGg. 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. There is so much to Communion. The most ancient practice of distributing Holy Communion was, with all probability, to give Communion to the faithful in the palm of the hand. To that which you are you respond Amen (yes, it is true!) and by responding to it you assent to it. Your fire, O, Our Lord we have eaten in your offering The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. My country is not on this list but holy communion is the norm. I do make the point that reverence, while important, is not the only or most important aspect of Communion. 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. awr. The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? For this alone is the eating referred to by our Lord ( John 6:58 ). They partake not of Him that is in them, they perceive Him not. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer 'Amen'. There are particles, and there are particles. 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. A. Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist: 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. (Original Latin text here, see pp. A quick example will be found . England and Wales, 6 March 1976 21. Liturgical Press | School of Theology Seminary | Saint John's Abbey | Comments Policy | Contact Us 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. Our souls ought to be purer than they, more holy, more brilliant. If, however, Communion is given under both kinds, the rite prescribed in nos. It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. Indeed, it can be dangerous for contagion. Then he saw that it was futile. Copyright PrayTellBlog.com 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. Ive updated the post. 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: It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better prepared groups and in favorable settings. 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. Pope Paul Vl approved this Instruction, confirmed it with his authority, and ordered its publication, setting the day of publication as its effective date. Finally, the fact that the Communion Procession is a profoundly religious action tells us something about the way in which we should participate in this procession. If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. 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. 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. This was the law of the Church for almost 14 centuries, and is still the general norm today. If Your Hand/Hands are Impeded . Your email address will not be published. Australia, 26 September 1975 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. For example, there is ample evidence that the exchange of peace between the people was practiced well into the Middle Ages in several European countries. Back issue of Notitiae are accessible via the new website of the Congregation for Divine Worship at: http://www.cultodivino.va/content/cultodivino/it/rivista-notitiae/indici-annate.html. 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.. The new manner of giving communion must not be imposed in a way that would exclude the traditional practice. Communion in the hand is no more hygienic than Communion in the mouth. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. "You're talking to someone who has only owned a smartphone for a yearI resisted," he said. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. 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. 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 . 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. Why did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist? Papua and New Guinea, 28 April 1976 [26] Augustine, Letter 54.3.4, trans. The question has been asked for a long time since the Church has often allowed both methods of reception. Take a step or two to the side to make way for the next communicant, then receive our Lord. 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. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. 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: http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Handkommunion. [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. I think the Holy Spirit was nudging people closer to the problem, which was already in evidence decades before the Council. Germany, 6 June 1969 As further documentation,Pray Tell provides this excerpt from the 2002General Instruction of the Roman Missal in Latin and English on the reception of Communion. Phillip Schaff and Henry Wace in NPNF Second Series, 14 (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1900). Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university. The [Seraph] did not hold it, and [Isaiah] did not eat it 895. 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. Alphonse Mingana (Gorgias Press: Piscataway, NJ, 2009 [1933]). Just look at what making donating money an indulgence-eligible corporal work of mercy resulted in during the Renaissance. St. Featured Image: Rossano Gospels, Last Supper, 6th c.; Source: Wikimedia Commons, PD-Old-100. Scandinavia,October 15 1969 As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. I would like to remind people to indicate clearly how they wish to receive. Japan, 27 June 1970 Madagascar 2 March 1970 North Africa,October 15 1969 Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches. What a Priest Might Do If He Wants to Avoid It. Bolivia, October 15 1969 Sure, Ill go along with that. 47), and says of the Communion Chant that "its purpose [is] to express the spiritual union of the communicants by means of the unity of their voices, to show gladness of heart, and to bring out more clearly the 'communitarian' character of the procession to receive the Eucharist" (no. 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.". But such as, instead of their hands, make vessels of gold or other materials for the reception of the divine gift, and by these receive the immaculate communion, we by no means allow to come, as preferring inanimate and inferior matter to the image of God.[24]. Paul W. Harkins ACW 31 (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1963). God has come to live in us. Alternatively, it is permissible to adopt a simpler procedure, namely, allowing the faithful themselves to take the host from the ciborium or paten. [6] Cyril of Jerusalem, Mystagogical Catecheses 5.13. What if our reception made us all more loving of one another, whatever our views on how to receive? 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.". vehementer hortatur retention of current practice while invoking the common good of the Church. The person distributing Communion says audibly to each person approaching, "The Body of Christ." 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. 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.. With regard to the first precept, Origen of Alexandria cautions, You who are accustomed to take part in divine mysteries know, when you receive the body of the Lord, how you protect it with all caution and veneration lest any small part fall from it, lest anything of the consecrated gift be lost. Since practices vary from one church to another, we hope these guidelines help you feel more at home. Pakistan, 29 October 1976 Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA. The legitimacy of Communion in the hand is not in question. 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. Pray Tell here documents two statements of the Congregation for Divine Worship issued under Pope Paul VI. 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. Per The Baltimore Catechism: The symptoms are myriadI certainly would assent to much of what you cite. OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF. 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 used the wordnecessarilyas an equivalent to in and of itself. There is no inherent reason why Communion in the hand is less reverent. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. All of us are only grasping a hint of it. 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. 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? The left hand is extended, with the right hand under the left in support (left handed persons may wish to . However, when they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that the faithful make appropriate reverence, according to the norms established, before receiving the Sacrament. 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. A situation that, in the US certainly, was not necessarily governed by external uniformity (given the varieties of ethnic piety and cultural practices). [16] Bede, Ecclesiastical History of the English People, 4.24. Scotland, 7 July 1977 I beg to differ. Its just BREAD!!. Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. Instead of receiving in my hand, thinking "the other way is better," and quickly gobbling up the Eucharist, I took the "popular way," as a gift: I put my left hand on top of my right . Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. W.R., Goa, India. [5] In Jerusalem, we have the mystagogical catecheses of Cyril of Jerusalem (or perhaps of his successor, John). 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 . For real reception of the Blessed Eucharist it is required that the sacred species be received into the stomach. Does anyone have an explanation for why France, Germany, and the Low Countries were not quickly regularized once the opportunity was available? 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. What's at Stake in the Debates Swirling Around Eucharistic Coherence. We have no nets to cast deeply. 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. France, 6 June 1969 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. We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. Or is there more context that is missing? The Holy Eucharist remits venial sins by disposing us to perform acts of love and contrition. II], Come see, Several readers pointed out that I made no mention of a text of St. Cyril when mentioning the historical foundations of the practice. 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). Timothy O'Malley, Copyright 2023 It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. Q. St. 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. 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). Canada, 12 February 1970 From these documents, we can deduce the following points. 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. [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. 1396: In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. 2. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. For this is what it is to receive unworthily: if one receives at that time when he ought to be doing penance. 6, trans. In fact, each time we move forward together to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord, we join the countless ranks of all the baptized who have gone before us, our loved ones, the canonized and uncanonized saints down through the ages, who at their time in history formed a part of this mighty stream of believers. But whatever the case, it is the Pope who decides to authorize it for countries, and it is indisputable that he did so. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. Archbishop Anthony Fisher, OP, of Sydney published an excellent paper on the topic of conscience and authority which can be found at:https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=7833or, in a slightly briefer form athttps://zenit.org/articles/bishop-fisher-on-conscience-and-authority/. Fire and Spirit, contrary to nature The bishop, however, might sometimes deal with the religious priest through his superior in these matters. Hard to believe that Catechesis has never been better if that fundamental is misunderstood. Required fields are marked *. Timothy O'Malley on the meaning of Eucharistic coherence in the life of the Church. 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. 7. I am a daily witness at the Basilique du Sacr-Cur de Montmartre (Paris).. 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 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. (Catholic Encyclopedia: Genuflexion) 51 (Feb), pg 62). Jeffrey T. Wickes FotC 130 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 2015).
Fivem Police Car, Front Axle Air Ride Kit For Peterbilt, Frank Stamps Quartet, Articles OTHER