Whether to receive Communion in the hand or on the tongue are liturgical disciplines, not dogmas. 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. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? - AOD How should this evidence be brought to bear on the modern conversation? Ive updated the post. In reply to the request of your conference of bishops regarding permission to give communion by placing the host on the hand of the faithful, I wish to communicate the following. (Catholic Encyclopedia: Genuflexion) When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. By this symbolic action, their denial would be clear to all. And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. 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. Paraguay, 27 September 1971 Was changing the mode reception of Communion one of them? But we doyes, verily. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. 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. St. It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better-prepared groups and in favorable settings. Canada, 12 February 1970 I dont mean how did it come about. Jamaica, 12 March 1970 [5] In Jerusalem, we have the mystagogical catecheses of Cyril of Jerusalem (or perhaps of his successor, John). How to Take Communion in the Catholic Church: 10 Steps - wikiHow Communion on the Tongue Is an Apostolic Tradition But as time passed it became the practice to receive Communion directly on the tongue in order to assure that the Host was received reverently. (Original Latin text here, see pp. Look how military inspectors demand very high standards of care when inspecting barracks for cleanliness. 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. Cyril of Jerusalem [c. 313-386], Catechetical Lectures, 23:21-22) Several more but no room here. In comparing the indult list provided in this post with the brief history of Fr. What a Priest Might Do If He Wants to Avoid It. This would be done especially if it is very difficult or impossible to fulfill the necessary conditions as outlined in the documents above. Their decisions should be sent to Rome to receive the necessary confirmation, []. The document does not have numbered paragraphs to cite, but youll find it a few paragraphs after the tabulation of votes collected from bishops. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable. Aaron, Some scholars claim that this part of the Mystical Catechesis is not originally from St. Cyril but a later interpolation into the text. St. [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. One could have perfect adoration of Real Presence in humble posture and, at least in theory, miss the point of Communion. All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another. Luxembourg, October 15 1969 I honestly get sick of it too. 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. Who holds the wind in the palm of his hand? For this reason, since the question of Communion in the hand is not a question of faith as such, and it has been approved by the legitimate authority, I do not believe that a priest can invoke conscience as a motive for refusing to apply a legitimate law. 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. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ's prayer for us "that they may all be one" (Jn 17:21). St. 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. 13.3, trans. Upper Volta and Niger, 20 February 1970 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 sad fact that in recent years hosts consecrated by a Pope have been offered for sale on the Internet further motivates this precautionary measure. They probably never foresaw its subsequent, and occasionally chaotic, development in some parts of the Church. Our souls ought to be purer than they, more holy, more brilliant. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. [23] John Chrysostom, hom. The usage of communion in the hand must be accompanied by relevant instruction or catechesis on Catholic teaching regarding Christs real and permanent presence under the eucharistic elements and the proper reverence toward this sacrament. 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. I used the wordnecessarilyas an equivalent to in and of itself. There is no inherent reason why Communion in the hand is less reverent. John Paul II and Mother Theresa on Communion in the Hand 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. This is a fundamental misunderstanding. I quite deliberately eschewed entering the historical argument as it would have digressed from the main point of that article. The person distributing Communion says audibly to each person approaching, "The Body of Christ." [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. First, Chrysostom in one of his Homilies on Ephesians: What, do you not see the holy vessels so thoroughly cleansed all over, so resplendent? 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. 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. 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]. Is the Catholic Church ever going to bring back communion wine? For one who eats unworthily eats and drinks to his own condemnation (1 Cor 11:29). 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. A. [10] See John Damascene, On the Orthodox Faith, 4.13. Another will say the opposite; he says, On the contrary, if the wound of sin and the attack of the disease is in fact so great that such medicines need to be postponed, one ought to be removed from the altar by the authority of the bishop in order to do penance, and one ought to be reconciled by the same authority. 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. 5. Will you not then much more carefully keep watch, that not a crumb fall from youSt. This means that Jesus has no eyes but our eyes, no feet . Documentation: Approval of Communion in the Hand under - PrayTellBlog The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. Australia, 26 September 1975 To that which you are you respond Amen (yes, it is true!) and by responding to it you assent to it. As soon as the communicant receives the host, he or she consumes the whole of it. 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.. Part I - Holy Communion: The Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus - USCCB The following norms must, therefore, be respected. The new manner of giving communion must not be imposed in a way that would exclude the traditional practice. If, however, Communion is given under both kinds, the rite prescribed in nos. 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. Roland Teske (Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 2001). 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. 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. Several readers pointed out that I made no mention of a text of St. Cyril when mentioning the historical foundations of the practice. 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/. 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. 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. 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 . 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). Leo P. McCauley FotC 64 (Catholic University of America Press: Washington, DC, 2000 [1970]). It is adoration of Christ, meal of fellowship, union with other communicants (hence the Church wants us to sing during reception), sharing in Christs self-sacrifice, mystical union with angels & saints, sharing even now in the heavenly banquet, having the life of the Risen Christ in oneself, a call to charity and works of justice and making real on earth the peace foreshadowed in Communion, etc. Sacrilege is at an all-time high, yet use of the Sacrament of Confession is at an all-time low. Cardinals Thorne (Peru) and Caffarra (Bologna) have banned Communion in the hand, citing reasons of abuse and disrespect. 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. http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Handkommunion. [23], The great and divine Apostle Paul with loud voice calls man created in the image of God, the body and temple of Christ. For the first few centuries of the Church, receiving Communion in the hand was a common practice. 6. The Council of Saragossa (380): Excommunicated anyone who dared continue . France, 6 June 1969 Surveys from CARA and Pew reflect this, though I admittedly doubted them until I attended mass with a fellow Catholic at church that predominantly received on the tongue and my friend jeering remarked, why dont they receive in the hand like normal people? These practices have wide evidence of use and in some ways never died out completely. [12] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10 and Hymns on Virginity 33.7. I would like to remind people to indicate clearly how they wish to receive. Have reverence for the honor which God has bestowed upon it, and do not lead it down to the vileness of sin.[27]. 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 . 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. Cdl. McElroy doubles down on heresy, pushes Communion for 'sexually Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. What if we were passionate about all that? 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. He said that he had checked with the then Apostolic Delegation and had been assured that the pope was giving the boy a rosary. The author seems to think that liturgical reforms should consist of only what an ecumenical council prescribed. Why did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist? The Reception of Holy Communion at Mass | USCCB It is therefore difficult in the context of this present letter not to mention the sad phenomena previously referred to. Not only was Communion in the hand started in disobedience, it was perpetuated by deceit. Featured Image: Rossano Gospels, Last Supper, 6th c.; Source: Wikimedia Commons, PD-Old-100. For pastoral reasons this manner of receiving communion has been legitimately established as the most common form in the Latin rite. It also happens, on occasion, that the free choice of those who prefer to continue the practice of receiving the Eucharist on the tongue is not taken into account in those places where the distribution of Communion in the hand has been authorized. For example, Augustine writes, Someone might say that the Eucharist should not be received daily. 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. Hence any baptized Catholic who is not prevented by law must be admitted to Holy Communion. [22] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10, trans. 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.. 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. The life of Christ, the Holy Spirit, animates each of us individually, and all of us corporately and guides us together in our efforts to become one in Christ. It is now August 2020 and I can say that you have been proven wrong. As for decades of poor or heterodox catechesis on the Sacraments, it seems more likely that catechesis has never been better, more Scripture-based, and more soundly theological. Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church: Receiving Communion 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. If one is left-handed this is reversed. Since Christ is really, substantially, sacramentally present but not physically, being OC over crumbs is not devotion. Care must also be taken that the communicants have clean hands and that their comportment is becoming and in keeping with the practices of the different peoples. I beg to differ. To continue the sacrifice of the Cross in His Church. 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. [26] Augustine, Letter 54.3.4, trans. The bishop, however, might sometimes deal with the religious priest through his superior in these matters. From a hygienic point of view, the hand carries a huge amount of bacteria. 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). The divine coal is a common image of the Eucharist in Syrian theology. 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. Madagascar 2 March 1970 Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university. We should rejoice in that. 4. Communion in the hand vs. Communion on the tongue | Crux 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. The question has been asked for a long time since the Church has often allowed both methods of reception. 6. 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. It is not solely the result of some weird medieval form of reverence. Interestingly, during the Middle Ages, the reception of Holy Communion was restricted to "on the tongue" because of abuses. 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. 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. Pakistan, 29 October 1976 51 (Feb), pg 62). There are particles, and there are particles. Never receive Holy Communion by extending only one hand. in Eph 3, trans. As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. It is simply reading too much into this practice, and it is not correct to support something one favors by denigrating another practice. 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. (I dont direct this at you, I mean it to everyone on all sides.). For this alone is the eating referred to by our Lord ( John 6:58 ). Has the Holy Eucharist any other effect? 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. Part 4. After stipulating the historical practice of Communion in the hand, Memoriale Domini: defends the development of discipline that led to Communion on the tongue At the same time, it is not justified to claim that Communion in the hand is necessarily less reverent or inevitably leads to abuses. 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. 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. Care must also be taken that the communicants have clean hands and that their comportment is becoming and in keeping with the practices of the different peoples. And why so? This is the reason why you say after him: Amen.[21]. Because those vessels are made so for our sakes. [8] John Chrysostom, Homilies on Ephesians, Baptismal Instruction 12.1516, On the Incomprehensible Nature of God 6.36, and On the Priesthood 3.4. 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. 160). They would find many more areas we all need to work on than just their main focus. 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. Indeed, it can be dangerous for contagion. We are the Body of Christ, moving forward to receive the Christ who makes us one with himself and with one another. The True Story of Communion in the Hand Revealed - OnePeterFive My country is not on this list but holy communion is the norm. [9] Theodore of Mopsuestia, Catechetical Homilies 6. 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. 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 Council was a start, but we have allowed ourselves to get sidetracked in silly and divisive banter. On the one hand, I think this evidence precludes describing communion in the hand as intrinsically irreverent. The way you put it, it doesnt sound obsessive-compulsive but salutary. 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. 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 Communion is given only under the species of bread, the Priest raises the host slightly and shows it to each, saying, The Body of Christ. 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. Bolivia, October 15 1969 When the bishops reassembled, Cardinal John Carberry of St. Louis, a determined opponent of Communion in the hand, was quick to get up to set things straight. Todd, yes, the Church as a whole is growing thanks to the great efforts of missionaries in Africa and Asia (many are now coming back here), and yes, more people are receiving the Sacraments now than ever. 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. 3. Click herefor a handout that can be placed in your bulletin for your parishioner. Pope Paul Vl calls attention to the purpose of the InstructionMemoriale Dominiof 29 May 1969, on retaining the traditional practice in use. Receiving Communion The Sacrament of Holy Communion (also known as The Lord's Supper or Eucharist) has been precious and life-giving to Christians for 2,000 years.

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