Can you direct me to where you obtained this list? 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.". When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. At the same time, it is not justified to claim that Communion in the hand is necessarily less reverent or inevitably leads to abuses. 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. 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. 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. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. 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. Was changing the mode reception of Communion one of them? As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? 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. The author seems to think that liturgical reforms should consist of only what an ecumenical council prescribed. The large numbers of faithful and the general hustle and bustle at the moment of communion make it quite easy for a host to fall to the ground. 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. [20] Cyril of Jerusalem, myst. I beg to differ. In North Africa (including Egypt) the practice is mentioned by Tertullian,[1] Cyprian,[2] Augustine,[3] Cyril of Alexandria,[4] and John Climacus. 13.3, trans. There are many devout Catholics who find this practice helpful. The communicant should audibly respond, "Amen," indicating by that response his or her belief that this small wafer of bread, the wine in this chalice are in reality the body and blood of Christ the Lord. In the context of the reception of Communion, this means a cognizance of both Church history and contemporary cultural nuances. It is also difficult to ensure that the person who receives Communion effectively consumes the host. A quick example will be found . In 1980 St. John Paul II wrote in the apostolic letterDominicae Cenae: In some countries, the practice of receiving Communion in the hand has been introduced. There are particles, and there are particles. Permission for administering Communion in the hand was granted by the Holy See to the following countries and regions under Pope Paul VI:[UPDATED 3-2-18], Belgium, 31 May 1969 I do make the point that reverence, while important, is not the only or most important aspect of Communion. For real reception of the Blessed Eucharist it is required that the sacred species be received into the stomach. [18] See Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 6.43.18. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer 'Amen'. 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. 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. [26] Augustine, Letter 54.3.4, trans. 1. 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. Abuse. Blasphemy. Communion in the hand? Catholic Insight Liturgical Press | School of Theology Seminary | Saint John's Abbey | Comments Policy | Contact Us As soon as the communicant receives the host, he or she consumes the whole of it. [3] Augustine, Answer to Petilian 2.23.53and Against Parmenian 2.7.13. How should this evidence be brought to bear on the modern conversation? 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. Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA. 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. I suspect that Christ can cope with particles that get dropped but the care we show, or the lack of care, is what counts. 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. 6. If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. 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. Has done
The Council was a start, but we have allowed ourselves to get sidetracked in silly and divisive banter. But "the sign of communion is more complete when given under both kinds, since in that form the sign of the Eucharistic meal appears more clearly." This is the usual form of receiving communion in the Eastern rites. Zambia, 11 March 1974 For the first few centuries of the Church, receiving Communion in the hand was a common practice. How to Properly Receive Communion on the Hands - catholiclegion Cardinals Thorne (Peru) and Caffarra (Bologna) have banned Communion in the hand, citing reasons of abuse and disrespect. It was proved that belief in the Real Presence is abysmal. 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. [21] Theodore of Mopsuestia, catech. 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. If we follow the example of the Fathers, we will prioritize practices that prevent the dropping of the Eucharist and catechizing communicants not to receive in a state of mortal sin. R. E. Heine FotC 21 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 1982). The symptoms are myriadI certainly would assent to much of what you cite. Paul W. Harkins ACW 31 (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1963). 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! 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. Phillip Schaff (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1889). Or is there more context that is missing? Aaron, The following norms must, therefore, be respected. Other way round, it was in the hand and changed to the tongue circa 900 in the west. This is a fundamental misunderstanding. 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? CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Holy Communion - New Advent Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. Reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament | The Fatima Center It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better prepared groups and in favorable settings. All rights reserved. Greg., Dial., I, III, c. iii). 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. I have celebrated Mass in places where there is no Communion in the hand and yet have observed some people approach the Eucharist in a slovenly and distracted manner with nary a trace of reverence in sight. Since Christ is really, substantially, sacramentally present but not physically, being OC over crumbs is not devotion. To continue the sacrifice of the Cross in His Church. Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling - Vatican.va St. Not only was Communion in the hand started in disobedience, it was perpetuated by deceit. 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). The divine coal is a common image of the Eucharist in Syrian theology. As seen above, the U.S. bishops were not among the first to permit Communion in the hand. The Holy Eucharist remits venial sins by disposing us to perform acts of love and contrition. This was the law of the Church for almost 14 centuries, and is still the general norm today. The Council of Saragossa, 380, excommunicated anyone who dared continue to receive Holy Communion in the hand. Finally, ensuring the application of liturgical law is above all the responsibility of the bishop and only indirectly the religious superior. 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: [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. At the same time he has taken into account the reasons given to support your request and the outcome of the vote taken on this matter. I used the wordnecessarilyas an equivalent to in and of itself. There is no inherent reason why Communion in the hand is less reverent. 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. Roland Teske (Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 2001). Shapiro picked up an abused-looking iPhone from his desk. 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. They probably never foresaw its subsequent, and occasionally chaotic, development in some parts of the Church. Guidelines for the Reception of Communion | USCCB 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. Theres no simple solution to this issue. These practices have wide evidence of use and in some ways never died out completely. [10] See John Damascene, On the Orthodox Faith, 4.13. The following norms must therefore be respected. This norm is supported by an Instruction by the Holy See regarding the Eucharist: "In distributing Holy Communion it is to be remembered that 'sacred ministers may not deny the sacraments to those who seek them in a reasonable manner, are rightly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them'(Code of Canon Law, can. These views are sometimes strongly held. 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. 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. Early Christian Communion in the Hand | Church Life Journal Why? This helps explain why this line of thought isnt gaining much traction except on the right fringe. This blog is not associated with Pray Tell: An open forum on faith in South Texas. A Journal of the McGrath Institute for Church Life, by Elizabeth Klein [4] Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on John 6.1 and 12.1. 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. 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. [9] Theodore of Mopsuestia, Catechetical Homilies 6. 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. These need to be taken seriously if one wants to effectively engage in these discussions with the likes of Cardinal Sarah and others. Obviously, for better or worse, the NLM has an agenda. 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. Scandinavia,October 15 1969 By this symbolic action, their denial would be clear to all. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. Come see,
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. II], Then he saw that it was futile. Has the Holy Eucharist any other effect? 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. awr. Click herefor a handout that can be placed in your bulletin for your parishioner. Ive updated the post. The question has been asked for a long time since the Church has often allowed both methods of reception. 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. 160-161; English translation here) Guidelines for Receiving Holy Communion. 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 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. However, he should not refuse to administer Communion to those faithful desirous of availing themselves of a legitimate authorization. Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. Cyril of Jerusalem and Theodore of Mopsuestia liken the practice to that of receiving a king, and both of them note the method of reception was in joined hands (also described in other sources as hands in the form of a cross). We 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. in Eph 3, trans. Church Life Journal This article has been selected from the ZENIT Daily Dispatch Innovative Media, Inc. ZENIT International News Agency Via della Stazione di Ottavia, 95 00165 Rome, Italywww.zenit.org, To subscribe http://www.zenit.org/english/subscribe.html or email: english-request@zenit.org with SUBSCRIBE in the "subject" field, Provided Courtesy of: Eternal Word Television Network 5817 Old Leeds Road Irondale, AL 35210www.ewtn.com, HOME - EWTNews - FAITH - TELEVISION - RADIO - LIBRARY - MULTIMEDIAWHAT'S NEW - GENERAL - RELIGIOUS CATALOGUE - PILGRIMAGES - ESPAOL, EWTN | 5817 Old Leeds Rd. 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. Germany, 6 June 1969 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. The way we communicate the Gospel message is almost as important as the Gospel itself. I have come to realize in the last few weeks how many of my Roman Rite brethren are actually understanding the Eucharist in a heretical way.