[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. And of course Pope Paul VI was adamant that all the reforms carried out under him were faithful to the Second Vatican Council. The new manner of giving communion must not be imposed in a way that would exclude the traditional practice. The left hand is extended, with the right hand under the left in support (left handed persons may wish to . I suspect that Christ can cope with particles that get dropped but the care we show, or the lack of care, is what counts. 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.". Pakistan, 29 October 1976 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. In light of some genuinely moving testimonies on the merits of reception in the hand, we cannot ignore that reverence for the Eucharist and belief in the Real Presence among Catholic laity has greatly declined since around the time in which this practice reenterred the Roman Rite after a millennium of absence. 284-287 is to be followed.. It is now August 2020 and I can say that you have been proven wrong. For one who eats unworthily eats and drinks to his own condemnation (1 Cor 11:29). Other way round, it was in the hand and changed to the tongue circa 900 in the west. 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. It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. 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. 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. Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. 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. are on the side of Lucifer. For some, however, the singing of this hymn is perceived as an intrusion on their own prayer, their private thanksgiving after Communion. The Church understands the Communion Procession, in fact every procession in liturgy, as a sign of the pilgrim Church, the body of those who believe in Christ, on their way to the Heavenly Jerusalem. 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). 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. These views are sometimes strongly held. 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. After receiving Communion our bodies become holy chalices. Monaco, 31 October 1969 Confess it and move on. 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. The Communion Procession is an action of the Body of Christ. Indonesia, 27 March 1971 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. One said: When [the practice was] introduced in the U.S. Cyril of Jerusalem was quoted make your hands a throne for the King, take and eat.Is anyone denying the quote?, Concerning Communion in the hand, please consult the Mystical Catechesis of St. Cyril of Jerusalem for a description of the practice around A.D. 345. The Church in Europe struggled mightilyand some might say in futilityagainst centuries of violence, sect on sect, nation vs nation. 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. 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. 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. It is standard procedure so I wonder what the basis of this accusation is. Middle Africa, 3 February 1970 Dear Patrick, 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. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. Malaysia and Singapore, 3 October 1977, * * * * *. The faithful receive Communion kneeling or standing, as established by the episcopal conference. If he is a religious priest, what actions can a legitimate superior take as regards the member who denies Communion in the hand? I am just wondering what the reason or reasons were for allowing reception of Communion in the hand to begin with? (or: Which Heresy Will You Give Up for Lent? It preserves us from mortal sin by exciting us to greater fervor and strengthening us against temptation. Hard to believe that Catechesis has never been better if that fundamental is misunderstood. What a Priest Might Do If He Wants to Avoid It. This was the law of the Church for almost 14 centuries, and is still the general norm today. 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. North Africa,October 15 1969 The very idea of people regularly receiving Communion (and even receiving Communion as part of the liturgy to the Eucharist itself) were relatively new ideas at the time of the Council. On November 14, 1996, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the following guidelines on the reception of Communion. All of us are only grasping a hint of it. If Your Hand/Hands are Impeded . The communicant may choose whether to receive the Body of Christ in the hand or on the tongue. As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. W.R., Goa, India. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916). Jamaica, 12 March 1970 June 29, 2021 | From these documents, we can deduce the following points. The showing of tooth and claw by some traditional-leaning Catholics is a scandal that discourages neighbors, and puts a very ugly face on the Body for others to view. 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/. However, this is likely to lead to many embarrassing instances for the faithful who approach communion unaware of the situation. Never receive Holy Communion by extending only one hand. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. One could have perfect adoration of Real Presence in humble posture and, at least in theory, miss the point of Communion. It is difficult for some of us to embrace this emphasis on Mass as the action of a community rather than an individual act of my own faith and piety, but it is important that we make every effort to do so. 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. Reverence can be good if it opens us to God & neighbor and makes us more loving. University of Notre Dame, McGrath Institute for Church Life I would like to remind people to indicate clearly how they wish to receive. 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). 1396: In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. But is the impression they give generally correct? 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. Alternatively, it is permissible to adopt a simpler procedure, namely, allowing the faithful themselves to take the host from the ciborium or paten. Please remember that there is no "right" way to receive. When one receives from the chalice, the same proclamation is made by the person distributing Communion and the Communicant again responds, "Amen." The guidelines, which are to be included in missalettes and other participation aids published in the United States, seek to remind all those who may attend Catholic liturgies of the present discipline of the Church with regard to the sharing of Eucharistic Communion. To increase sanctifying grace and all virtues in our soul. The following norms must therefore be respected. We have no nets to cast deeply. 160). Come see, South Africa, 1971 Biting, tearing, casting aspersions on the faith of other Catholics: this is a damnable situation in the Church. Theres no simple solution to this issue. Per The Baltimore Catechism: All the rites which use leavened bread are reverent but not obsessive. Phillip Schaff and Henry Wace in NPNF Second Series, 14 (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1900). When the priest gives it he says: The body of Christ. He teaches you by this word not to look at that which is visible, but to picture in your mind the nature of this oblation, which, by the coming of the Holy Spirit, is the body of Christ. Madagascar 2 March 1970 God has come to live in us. 4. His blood now flows through our veins. Since practices vary from one church to another, we hope these guidelines help you feel more at home. Father, as to the limitation on what regions might request this indult, Memoriale Domini stipulated that Where a contrary usage, that of placing holy communion on the hand, prevails, the Holy See [] lays on those conferences the task of weighing carefully whatever special circumstances may exist there []. In comparing the indult list provided in this post with the brief history of Fr. 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 . Communion in the hand was officially permitted in the United States in 1977, following an indult that is, special permission given by the Congregation for Divine Sacraments in 1969. To signify, seal, and apply to believers all the benefits of the new covenant. But whatever the case, it is the Pope who decides to authorize it for countries, and it is indisputable that he did so. . Elizabeth Klein is an Assistant Professor of Theology at the, The Abandoned: Toward a Christocentric Phenomenology of Prayer, The Conclusion of Karl Rahner's Dissertation on the Origin of the Church from the Side Wound of the Crucified Christ. [17] See Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 7.9.4. 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. 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. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. To continue the sacrifice of the Cross in His Church. 4. 6. They probably never foresaw its subsequent, and occasionally chaotic, development in some parts of the Church. Maybe this is part of a grand conspiracy by Satan to destroy the Church (ok, probably not that). 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. 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? 3. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable. 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. 6. 48 (Sept/Oct), pg 361. 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.. 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. 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. Leo P. McCauley FotC 64 (Catholic University of America Press: Washington, DC, 2000 [1970]). 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. [1] This RCIA Process is the way in which you are prepared to be formally received by the Church; this is necessary before you can take Communion. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? 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. 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. Can you direct me to where you obtained this list? Unless there is a sense of discipleship rooted in baptism. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. Why did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist? 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. The person distributing Communion says audibly to each person approaching, "The Body of Christ." Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. Fire and Spirit, contrary to nature In this he shows a great fear, and since the hand that is stretched out holds a higher rank, it is the one that is extended for receiving the body of the King, and the other hand bears and brings its sister hand, while not thinking that it is playing the role of a servant, as it is equal with it in honour, on account of the bread of the King, which is also borne by it. Who holds the wind in the palm of his hand? 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 . I am from India. Timothy O'Malley on the meaning of Eucharistic coherence in the life of the Church. To commemorate the death of Christ: "This do in remembrance of me." 2. Space doesn't allow all the details, but the propaganda in the 1970s that was used to sell Communion in the hand to a trusting, vulnerable people was a campaign of calculated half-truths that didn't tell the whole story. I think proponents of tongue/kneeling will get a better hearing if they uphold all aspects of Communion. [10] See John Damascene, On the Orthodox Faith, 4.13. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer Amen. We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. The divine coal is a common image of the Eucharist in Syrian theology. 86). Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the Eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. The Council was a start, but we have allowed ourselves to get sidetracked in silly and divisive banter. And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. They would find many more areas we all need to work on than just their main focus. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer 'Amen'. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. 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. I think that settles it. This helps explain why this line of thought isnt gaining much traction except on the right fringe. Aaron, this describes what the countries are to do where Communion in the hand was being practiced. 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. Communion in the hand is no more hygienic than Communion in the mouth. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable.. But one should not by his own judgment abstain from or return to communion, as he pleases. Roland Teske (Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 2001). Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. Papua and New Guinea, 28 April 1976 As I read above article, I didnt found name of my country India in the list of countries which have Indult for communion in hand. [21] Theodore of Mopsuestia, catech. St. The way we communicate the Gospel message is almost as important as the Gospel itself. If one is left-handed this is reversed. The causes are myriad and often interconnected. 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. 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. Interestingly, during the Middle Ages, the reception of Holy Communion was restricted to "on the tongue" because of abuses. 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. [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. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. 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. The problem is a lack of intentionality across the board, starting with the laity. It is not solely the result of some weird medieval form of reverence. Do we have faith in the efficacy of the sacraments or not? Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. 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. I quite deliberately eschewed entering the historical argument as it would have digressed from the main point of that article. To be a pledge of everlasting life. The Council of Saragossa, 380, excommunicated anyone who dared continue to receive Holy Communion in the hand. 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.