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 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. First, Chrysostom in one of his Homilies on Ephesians: What, do you not see the holy vessels so thoroughly cleansed all over, so resplendent? 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. (or: Which Heresy Will You Give Up for Lent? Communion on the tongue is recommended and considered the most consonant way to receive the Eucharist, while Communion on the hand is permitted, provided that certain precautions are observed, such as checking to see if any fragments of the Host remain on the palm of the hand. 1396: In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. To fit our bodies for a glorious resurrection. 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). However, this is likely to lead to many embarrassing instances for the faithful who approach communion unaware of the situation. But such as, instead of their hands, make vessels of gold or other materials for the reception of the divine gift, and by these receive the immaculate communion, we by no means allow to come, as preferring inanimate and inferior matter to the image of God.[24]. 896. 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]. This blog is not associated with Pray Tell: An open forum on faith in South Texas. St. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. The following norms must therefore be respected. Confess it and move on. [23], The great and divine Apostle Paul with loud voice calls man created in the image of God, the body and temple of Christ. It is therefore difficult in the context of this present letter not to mention the sad phenomena previously referred to. Whether to receive Communion in the hand or on the tongue are liturgical disciplines, not dogmas. A parish priest, or the rector of a sanctuary, might have objective reasons for not applying the permission if there is any danger of profanation or lack of respect. I honestly get sick of it too. It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better-prepared groups and in favorable settings. Pope Paul Vl approved this Instruction, confirmed it with his authority, and ordered its publication, setting the day of publication as its effective date. The author seems to think that liturgical reforms should consist of only what an ecumenical council prescribed. in Eph 3, trans. 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. More people have received Communion in the past century. [21] Theodore of Mopsuestia, catech. The question has been asked for a long time since the Church has often allowed both methods of reception. After receiving Communion our bodies become holy chalices. For one who eats unworthily eats and drinks to his own condemnation (1 Cor 11:29). A. Part 4. Many of us would treat your claims skeptically as unsupported rumor and gossip. 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. Yet even here, the experts sometimes forgot the unrepeatable reality of original circumstances so that restoration is never quite the same. The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. The host will then be laid in the palm of the left hand and then taken by the right hand to the mouth. All the rites which use leavened bread are reverent but not obsessive. 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. Fire came down and consumed the sacrifices of Elijah 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. Pope Paul Vl calls attention to the purpose of the InstructionMemoriale Dominiof 29 May 1969, on retaining the traditional practice in use. 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. 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). St. And to demonstrate reverence and. I think the Holy Spirit was nudging people closer to the problem, which was already in evidence decades before the Council. 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. 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. 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. What if our reception made us all more loving of one another, whatever our views on how to receive? 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. 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. Can you direct me to where you obtained this list? The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. But to us our Lord has given both . If, however, Communion is given under both kinds, the rite prescribed in nos. 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. Per The Baltimore Catechism: As a scholar of the early Church, I was surprised to learn that the practice of communion in the hand is such a hotly debated topic; it came to my attention during the early days of the pandemic, when many dioceses required communicants to receive in this way. The Church in Europe struggled mightilyand some might say in futilityagainst centuries of violence, sect on sect, nation vs nation. 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. For Catholics: As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. Click herefor a handout that can be placed in your bulletin for your parishioner. 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. 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. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? 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. The [Seraph] did not hold it, and [Isaiah] did not eat it 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 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. The Council was a start, but we have allowed ourselves to get sidetracked in silly and divisive banter. I wholeheartedly agree with your comment on another thread that this ongoing discussion is frivolous and is only causing needless division. Aaron, this describes what the countries are to do where Communion in the hand was being practiced. 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 legitimacy of Communion in the hand is not in question. What some call discipleship, others evangelizationnew or whatever, or some speak of discernment and application of spiritual gifts. Has done It must be presumed that a priest has sufficient formation in moral principles so as to exclude an erroneous conscience in such matters. 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. Pray Tell here documents two statements of the Congregation for Divine Worship issued under Pope Paul VI. Phillip Schaff and Henry Wace in NPNF Second Series, 14 (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1900). We are the Body of Christ, moving forward to receive the Christ who makes us one with himself and with one another. I suspect that Christ can cope with particles that get dropped but the care we show, or the lack of care, is what counts. For you believe, and correctly, that you are answerable if anything falls from there by neglect.[25]. 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 as any danger or hint of danger of profaning the Eucharist. 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. 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. It is standard procedure so I wonder what the basis of this accusation is. 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. It should be noted that it is never permissible for a person to dip the host he or she has received into the chalice. And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. I think proponents of tongue/kneeling will get a better hearing if they uphold all aspects of Communion. However, while this text is undoubtedly ancient evidence of the existence of Communion in the hand, it is, like many patristic texts, fraught with interpretative conundrums. In order to be properly disposed to . Australia, 26 September 1975 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.
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