| Irondale, AL 35210 |. If, for some reason, the communicant is not able or willing to drink from the cup then that person should receive only under the form of bread. In the context of the reception of Communion, this means a cognizance of both Church history and contemporary cultural nuances. The person distributing Communion says audibly to each person approaching, "The Body of Christ." The history of the liturgy, however, makes clear that rather early on a . Canada, 12 February 1970 Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches. 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. 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. Elizabeth Klein is an Assistant Professor of Theology at the Augustine Institute. 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. [22] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10, trans. What if we were passionate about all that? [6] Cyril of Jerusalem, Mystagogical Catecheses 5.13. So the authors claim that he is exactly Vatican II is doubtful. Interestingly, during the Middle Ages, the reception of Holy Communion was restricted to "on the tongue" because of abuses. This would be done especially if it is very difficult or impossible to fulfill the necessary conditions as outlined in the documents above. 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). But we doyes, verily. 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. Pope Paul Vl approved this Instruction, confirmed it with his authority, and ordered its publication, setting the day of publication as its effective date. If one is receiving in the hand the following is normative: upon approaching the minister of the Host extend the hands in the middle of the chest. 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 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. In an even more elevated tone, Ephrem the Syrian, in a stunning passage, invites the Christian communicant to feel awe at what is placed in his or her hand, since even the Seraph did not take the divine coal with his hand, nor did the prophet Isaiah eat it (see: Isa 6:6). North Africa,October 15 1969 But one should not by his own judgment abstain from or return to communion, as he pleases. To be a pledge of everlasting life. II], So Indian Bishop conference have not got any Indult for communion in hand? The wind has left our sails and many of us are adrift on uncertain seas. Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA. This was the law of the Church for almost 14 centuries, and is still the general norm today. [9] Theodore of Mopsuestia, Catechetical Homilies 6. All rights reserved. Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. The oldest reference to the Eucharist in the New Testament occurs in chapters 11 and 12 of the First Letter to the Corinthians, which has no reference to receiving Holy Communion on the tongue. In the 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. IMHO no, contrary to what some real traddies may say. 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. They are also to be instructed not to omit after communion the sincere and appropriate thanksgiving that is in keeping with their individual capacities, state, and occupation. [6] In Syria (what we now call Turkey and surrounding regions) it is witnessed by Basil the Great,[7] John Chrysostom,[8] Theodore of Mopsuestia,[9] John Damascene[10] and the Council of Constantinople in Trullo (also called the Quinisext council). This helps explain why this line of thought isnt gaining much traction except on the right fringe. 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. In fact, each time we move forward together to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord, we join the countless ranks of all the baptized who have gone before us, our loved ones, the canonized and uncanonized saints down through the ages, who at their time in history formed a part of this mighty stream of believers. 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). Confess it and move on. divine life. 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. On reverence for the Eucharist and belief in the Real Presence among Catholic laity has greatly declined I dont think this has ever been proven. 161. Do we have faith in the efficacy of the sacraments or not? Copyright 2023 Eternal Word Television Network, Inc. Irondale, Alabama. For one who eats unworthily eats and drinks to his own condemnation (1 Cor 11:29). I am a daily witness at the Basilique du Sacr-Cur de Montmartre (Paris).. The Council was a start, but we have allowed ourselves to get sidetracked in silly and divisive banter. I honestly get sick of it too. But is the impression they give generally correct? What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? 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. From the point of view of liturgical law, the relevant documents are the following. 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. I think that settles it. They would find many more areas we all need to work on than just their main focus. 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. When one receives from the chalice, the same proclamation is made by the person distributing Communion and the Communicant again responds, "Amen." 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. Mingle and flow into the palms of his disciples![22]. By this symbolic action, their denial would be clear to all. Middle Africa, 3 February 1970 However, when they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that the faithful make appropriate reverence, according to the norms established, before receiving the Sacrament. Finally, to the end that their coming to this heavenly table may be completely worthy and fruitful, the faithful should be instructed on its benefits and effects, for both the individual and society, so that their familial relationship to the Father who gives us our daily bread, may reflect the highest reverence for him, nurture love, and lead to a living bond with Christ, in whose flesh and blood we share.. Maybe this is due to its similarity to practices in most Protestant churches, many of which (Anglicans and Lutherans notwithstanding) fundamentally dont believe in a sacramental Communion substance. Your email address will not be published. Aaron, In order to be properly disposed to . 7. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of 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? Please take responsibility for the lies, the bile, and the sinful stuff. Pope Paul Vl calls attention to the purpose of the InstructionMemoriale Dominiof 29 May 1969, on retaining the traditional practice in use. [13] In the far-flung regions of the empireGaul (modern-day France and Spain) we have the witness of Caesarius of Arles[14] and the council of Auxerre,[15] and in England, we have the Venerable Bede. 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. [11] Council of Constantinople in Trullo, canon 101. 5.21, trans. 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. Unless there is a sense of discipleship rooted in baptism. Theres no simple solution to this issue. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. It is therefore difficult in the context of this present letter not to mention the sad phenomena previously referred to. All the rites which use leavened bread are reverent but not obsessive. On the other hand, this mode of communion is not anywhere associated with lay involvement or accessibility, nor is it thought to de-emphasize the role of the priest. 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? 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. 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. (I dont direct this at you, I mean it to everyone on all sides.). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all. If, however, Communion is given under both kinds, the rite prescribed in nos. Wherefore, if any one wishes to be a participator of the immaculate Body in the time of the Synaxis, and to offer himself for the communion, let him draw near, arranging his hands in the form of a cross, and so let him receive the communion of grace. [5] John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent 28. [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. This is precisely why there are occasions when pastoral prudence can lead to suspend the permission. [25] Origen of Alexandria, homily in Ex. 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. Because those vessels are made so for our sakes. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. 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 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. Still, while not the direction eventually taken, I believe restriction to be the more natural reading of the Vaticans intent at that moment in time. It is not solely the result of some weird medieval form of reverence. This is a fundamental misunderstanding. In approaching therefore, come not with your wrists extended, or your fingers spread; but make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King. Scandinavia,October 15 1969 1996, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The legitimacy of Communion in the hand is not in question. 3. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. What if our reception made us all more loving of one another, whatever our views on how to receive? Q. The liturgical assembly of the baptized that comes together for the celebration of the Eucharist is a witness to, a manifestation of, the pilgrim Church. 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 Click herefor a handout that can be placed in your bulletin for your parishioner. can. Take a step or two to the side to make way for the next communicant, then receive our Lord. 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. To increase sanctifying grace and all virtues in our soul. Take this from someone who receives in the hand sometimes, I would never do it if I thought it was enabling Lucifer to corrupt my soul. 6. 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. 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. Chad, 18 September 1969 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.
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