James Shapiro, a literature prof at Columbia, says the situation is catastrophic: One reason was the way of the world. 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. I quite deliberately eschewed entering the historical argument as it would have digressed from the main point of that article. 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). 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. It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. Many of us would treat your claims skeptically as unsupported rumor and gossip. All of us are only grasping a hint of it. 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. 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. However, when they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that the faithful make appropriate reverence, according to the norms established, before receiving the Sacrament. 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. [24] Trans. So Indian Bishop conference have not got any Indult for communion in hand? IMHO no, contrary to what some real traddies may say. The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. 7. The Council of Saragossa, 380, excommunicated anyone who dared continue to receive Holy Communion in the hand. Have reverence for the honor which God has bestowed upon it, and do not lead it down to the vileness of sin.[27]. The following norms must, therefore, be respected. 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. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. The faithful should consume the host before returning to their place; the ministers part will be brought out by use of the usual formulary, The body of Christ, to which the communicant replies: Amen. Sacrilege is at an all-time high, yet use of the Sacrament of Confession is at an all-time low. Why? I do make the point that reverence, while important, is not the only or most important aspect of 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. 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. ), Pray Tell: An open forum on faith in South Texas. Some scholars claim that this part of the Mystical Catechesis is not originally from St. Cyril but a later interpolation into the text. 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. 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. SACRED CONGREGATION FOR THE DISCIPLINE OF THE SACRAMENTS, InstructionImmensae caritatis, on facilitating reception of Communion in certain circumstances, 29 January 1973: AAS 65 (1973) 264-271; Not 9 (1973) 157-164. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. Receiving Communion - Prayer & Spiritual Life - Greek Orthodox 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. Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church: Receiving Communion 3. Other way round, it was in the hand and changed to the tongue circa 900 in the west. Japan, 27 June 1970 The guidelines recommend against serving Communion until gatherings of more than 50 people are allowed. Is it okay to recieve Communion in the hand? - Catholic Online Luxembourg, October 15 1969 Guidelines for the Reception of Communion | USCCB [3] Augustine, Answer to Petilian 2.23.53and Against Parmenian 2.7.13. 91). These guidelines replace the guidelines approved by the Administrative Committee of the NCCB in November 1986. In comparing the indult list provided in this post with the brief history of Fr. It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better-prepared groups and in favorable settings. 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. Documentation: Approval of Communion in the Hand under - PrayTellBlog Later that year approval was given to Luxembourg, Scandinavia (Scandia), North Africa, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Monaco (see Notitiae v. 7 (1970), no. 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. [11] In East Syria (what we would now call the Middle East) we have evidence from Ephrem the Syrian[12] and Narsai. We should rejoice in that. 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. 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). 160-161; English translation here) 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. Interestingly, during the Middle Ages, the reception of Holy Communion was restricted to "on the tongue" because of abuses. 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 Reception of Holy Communion at Mass | USCCB 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. 1396: In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. can. I am a daily witness at the Basilique du Sacr-Cur de Montmartre (Paris).. ADOM :: Communion: in the hand or the tongue 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. Pope Benedict was asked why he chose to distribute Communion only to those kneeling and on the tongue and he responded, because it highlights "the truth of the real presence [of Christ] in the Eucharist, helps the devotion . 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). We should weigh very well the matters in which we appeal to conscience. 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 author claims that Communion in the hand could only be authorized in countries where it was an established practice but doesnt give a citation. [12] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10 and Hymns on Virginity 33.7. A Journal of the McGrath Institute for Church Life, by Elizabeth Klein Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. Objecting to Communion in the Hand | EWTN Ireland, 4 September 1976 The Eucharist may not be received while a person has mortal sin in their soul. 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. These need to be taken seriously if one wants to effectively engage in these discussions with the likes of Cardinal Sarah and others. The Council of Saragossa (380): Excommunicated anyone who dared continue . 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. When receiving in the hand, the communicant should be guided by the words of St. Cyril of Jerusalem . This is precisely why there are occasions when pastoral prudence can lead to suspend the permission. Was changing the mode reception of Communion one of them? 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. Several readers pointed out that I made no mention of a text of St. Cyril when mentioning the historical foundations of the practice. 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). The Holy See has made it abundantly clear that both manners of reception of Communion - on the tongue and in the hand - are permitted, that Communion should be received reverently, and that the manner of reception should not become an occasion of division in the church. The left hand is extended, with the right hand under the left in support (left handed persons may wish to . But back in the West, where most of us at PT are from, the Church is struggling. Cardinals Thorne (Peru) and Caffarra (Bologna) have banned Communion in the hand, citing reasons of abuse and disrespect. And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. But to us our Lord has given both . Will you not then much more carefully keep watch, that not a crumb fall from youSt. If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. And some who do have lost their strength or nerve. The way you put it, it doesnt sound obsessive-compulsive but salutary. Under the moral aspect will be considered, in reference to Holy Communion: necessity; subject; dispositions. 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? North Africa,October 15 1969 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. Jamaica, 12 March 1970 Indeed, it can be dangerous for contagion. This catechesis must succeed in excluding any suggestion that in the mind of the Church there is a lessening of faith in the eucharistic presence and in excluding as well any danger or hint of danger of profaning the Eucharist. The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? [23] John Chrysostom, hom. 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. [2] 2 Accept Communion in a state of grace. This is the reason why you say after him: Amen.[21]. I happen to accept the role of darkness within the Church, but it strikes me as being perpetrated all too often by those who style themselves the most faithful or loyal to God. [20] Cyril of Jerusalem, myst. In order to be properly disposed to . A. Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist: Why did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist? Communion on Tongue vs. Hand? The Most Important Thing to Know: Hold It is now August 2020 and I can say that you have been proven wrong. St. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. These practices have wide evidence of use and in some ways never died out completely. Alphonse Mingana (Gorgias Press: Piscataway, NJ, 2009 [1933]). Maybe this is part of a grand conspiracy by Satan to destroy the Church (ok, probably not that). Receiving the host in one's hand has been an option in the United States since the bishops authorized this in May 1977 and the Holy See confirmed it. A 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. Zambia, 11 March 1974 To be honest, I dont really belong to either camp on this, and like you, I think the polarization on this issue is doing more harm than good. 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. 2. 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 . If one is left-handed this is reversed. are on the side of Lucifer. How should this evidence be brought to bear on the modern conversation? The Church in Europe struggled mightilyand some might say in futilityagainst centuries of violence, sect on sect, nation vs nation. Ive updated the post. Receiving the Host in the Hand | Franciscan Media So it is not just tiresome traditionalists who worry about particles. I think that settles it. A letter from the Congregation for Divine Worship to presidents of bishops conferences on May 29, 1969: AAS 61 (1969) 546-547; Notitiae 5 (1969) 351-353: 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. 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. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. [26] Augustine, Letter 54.3.4, trans. 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. In the early Church, the faithful stood when receiving into their hands the consecrated particle can hardly be questioned. St. Dionysius of Alexandria [d. 265], writing to one of the popes of his time, speaks emphatically of one who has stood by the table and has extended his hand to receive the Holy Food (Eusebius [263-339], Hist. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. 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. 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. 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. The practice of communion on the tongue with the use of patens in the West, and in both kinds on a spoon with a drop cloth in the East, moreover, are natural developments from the concern of the Early Church to prevent Eucharistic mishaps. 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.". Phillip Schaff (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1889). [8] John Chrysostom, Homilies on Ephesians, Baptismal Instruction 12.1516, On the Incomprehensible Nature of God 6.36, and On the Priesthood 3.4. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? For you believe, and correctly, that you are answerable if anything falls from there by neglect.[25]. (Catholic Encyclopedia: Genuflexion) Since practices vary from one church to another, we hope these guidelines help you feel more at home. When receiving Communion in the hand can be sinful - LifeSite From a hygienic point of view, the hand carries a huge amount of bacteria. Q. United States, 17 June 1977 895. in Eph 3, trans. They would find many more areas we all need to work on than just their main focus. On the part of both the minister and the recipient, whenever the host is placed in the hand of a communicant there must be careful concern and caution, especially about particles that might fall from the hosts. Fire and Spirit, contrary to nature (or: Which Heresy Will You Give Up for Lent? 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. Over the years I have read a multitude of opinions for and against, and occasionally perceived false arguments. His blood now flows through our veins. What's at Stake in the Debates Swirling Around Eucharistic Coherence. http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2014/03/truth-about-communion-in-hand-while.html#.Wpa2wdIUnGg. 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 . 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. But one should not by his own judgment abstain from or return to communion, as he pleases. 86). But we doyes, verily. 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. PDF Instructions on Receiving Holy Communion with Proper Reverence 6. 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. Reverence can be good if it opens us to God & neighbor and makes us more loving. These views are sometimes strongly held. 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. 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.. 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. But whatever the case, it is the Pope who decides to authorize it for countries, and it is indisputable that he did so. As seen above, the U.S. bishops were not among the first to permit Communion in the hand. However, he should not refuse to administer Communion to those faithful desirous of availing themselves of a legitimate authorization. Liturgical Press | School of Theology Seminary | Saint John's Abbey | Comments Policy | Contact Us 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. The [Seraph] did not hold it, and [Isaiah] did not eat it 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. We are the Body of Christ, moving forward to receive the Christ who makes us one with himself and with one another. If, however, Communion is given under both kinds, the rite prescribed in nos. 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. (Original Latin text here, see pp. Its just BREAD!!. 1. And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF. To signify, seal, and apply to believers all the benefits of the new covenant. To increase sanctifying grace and all virtues in our soul. How to Properly Receive Communion on the Hands - catholiclegion Henry Percival and ed. 3. [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. http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Handkommunion. 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. 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! 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. 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. 13.3, trans. [22] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10, trans. I think the Holy Spirit was nudging people closer to the problem, which was already in evidence decades before the Council. My three hypotheses were less well researched opinions on my part, theyre not (that last one was a joke on Cdl Sarahs comments, sorry if that wasnt clear), but simply launchpoints in an honest discussion on the impact of Pope Pauls Indult, and the circumstances surrounding it, whether or not they hold any real merit. W.R., Goa, India. The most ancient practice of distributing Holy Communion was, with all probability, to give Communion to the faithful in the palm of the hand. Australia, 26 September 1975 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. The Netherlands, 18 September 1969 It must be presumed that a priest has sufficient formation in moral principles so as to exclude an erroneous conscience in such matters. Guidelines for Receiving Holy Communion. Timothy O'Malley on the meaning of Eucharistic coherence in the life of the Church. Some may choose to receive the Lord on the tongue while others choose to receive in the hand. 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 . Here in India Communion is distributed both on tongue and in hand. Hence any baptized Catholic who is not prevented by law must be admitted to Holy Communion. Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS) TOP Abuse. Blasphemy. Communion in the hand? Catholic Insight Christ himself at the Last Supper pleaded with his Father: "Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us" (John 17:11, 21).Baptism has joined us to Christ and to one another as the vine and its branches. The author seems to think that liturgical reforms should consist of only what an ecumenical council prescribed. Pope Paul Vl calls attention to the purpose of the InstructionMemoriale Dominiof 29 May 1969, on retaining the traditional practice in use. University of Notre Dame, McGrath Institute for Church Life Our worship ought to create common unity under Christ, not destroy it. South Africa, 1971 [17] See Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 7.9.4. This formula should not be altered, as it is a proclamation which calls for a response of faith on the part of the one who receives. Never receive Holy Communion by extending only one hand. Middle Africa, 3 February 1970 Im not aware of that limitation and would like to see proper documentation. 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. Cdl. McElroy doubles down on heresy, pushes Communion for 'sexually After stipulating the historical practice of Communion in the hand, Memoriale Domini: defends the development of discipline that led to Communion on the tongue Permission for administering Communion in the hand was granted by the Holy See to the United States on June 17, 1977 and has since become almost the universal norm in the Ordinary Form. 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. Holt Orders cannot sustain the Church, no matter how much traditionalists preach priests are of the utmost importance. 48 (Sept/Oct), pg 361. The history of the liturgy, however, makes clear that rather early on a . This reply aged like Milk (currently January 2022). 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. When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. And of course Pope Paul VI was adamant that all the reforms carried out under him were faithful to the Second Vatican Council. awr. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Those who receive Communion may receive either in the hand or on the tongue, and the decision should be that of the individual receiving, not of the person distributing Communion. Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), 2 October 1971 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 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.

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