. 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. Copyright PrayTellBlog.com Finally, ensuring the application of liturgical law is above all the responsibility of the bishop and only indirectly the religious superior. The condition is the complete avoidance of any cause for the faithful to be shocked and any danger of irreverence toward the Eucharist. Back issue of Notitiae are accessible via the new website of the Congregation for Divine Worship at: http://www.cultodivino.va/content/cultodivino/it/rivista-notitiae/indici-annate.html. 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. Care must also be taken that the communicants have clean hands and that their comportment is becoming and in keeping with the practices of the different peoples. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. 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. Pakistan, 29 October 1976 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). [22] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10, trans. 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. [18] See Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 6.43.18. 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. The communicant replies, Amen, and receives the Sacrament either on the tongue or, where this is allowed, in the hand, the choice lying with the communicant. Holt Orders cannot sustain the Church, no matter how much traditionalists preach priests are of the utmost importance. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. Featured Image: Rossano Gospels, Last Supper, 6th c.; Source: Wikimedia Commons, PD-Old-100. 86). [12] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10 and Hymns on Virginity 33.7. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. 13.3, trans. For example, to say that Communion in the hand is a sign of spiritual maturity, or that Communion on the tongue reduces the lay faithful to infancy, is belied by centuries of lay saints who received in this manner. 1. I suspect that Christ can cope with particles that get dropped but the care we show, or the lack of care, is what counts. Over and over again the prayers of the liturgy and the norms of the General Instruction emphasize this fundamental concept of the unity of the baptized, stressing that when we come together to participate in the Eucharistic celebration we come, not as individuals, but as united members of Christ's Body. Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. Our worship ought to create common unity under Christ, not destroy it. Alternatively, it is permissible to adopt a simpler procedure, namely, allowing the faithful themselves to take the host from the ciborium or paten. Cyril of Jerusalem [c. 313-386], Catechetical Lectures, 23:21-22) Several more but no room here. 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. 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. At the same time, it is not justified to claim that Communion in the hand is necessarily less reverent or inevitably leads to abuses. If he is a religious priest, what actions can a legitimate superior take as regards the member who denies Communion in the hand? 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. 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. That said, there are dimensions to this discussion that I think are both valuable and havent been given much screen time overall. One could have perfect adoration of Real Presence in humble posture and, at least in theory, miss the point of Communion. 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. From these documents, we can deduce the following points. And to demonstrate reverence and. These practices have wide evidence of use and in some ways never died out completely. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. Dear Patrick, His blood now flows through our veins. A: The answer to this question is somewhat complex. 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. 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. [5] John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent 28. Sacrilege is at an all-time high, yet use of the Sacrament of Confession is at an all-time low. 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 option must not turn out to be the occasion for regarding it as ordinary bread or as just another religious article., I feel this is a underrated point in recent discussions on the reception of Holy Communion, both here on PT and elsewhere. [] It is not permitted for the faithful to take the consecrated Bread or the sacred chalice by themselves and, still less, to hand them on from one to another among themselves. [4] Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on John 6.1 and 12.1. 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. W.R., Goa, India. 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. Yugoslavia, 1971 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. 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. We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. So whats missing? Can you direct me to where you obtained this list? On November 14, 1996, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the following guidelines on the reception of Communion. The elements were placed in the hands (not in the mouth) of each communicant by the clergy who were present, or, according to Justin, by the deacons alone, amid singing of psalms by the congregation (Psalm 34), with the words: The body of Christ; The blood of Christ, the cup of life; to each of which the recipient responded Amen. (eminent Church historian Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church: Ante-Nicene Christianity: A.D. 100-325 [Vol. Indeed, it can be dangerous for contagion. It is bad if it makes us prideful/judgmental and distracts from more important things. 48 (Sept/Oct), pg 361. They partake not of Him that is in them, they perceive Him not. I am a daily witness at the Basilique du Sacr-Cur de Montmartre (Paris).. It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better prepared groups and in favorable settings. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ's prayer for us "that they may all be one" (Jn 17:21). 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. Others claim that in the context of the discourse St. Cyril was referring to the clergy and not to the faithful. 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 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. When we receive Communion, we become members of Christ's Body, the Church. Many of us would treat your claims skeptically as unsupported rumor and gossip. [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. No wonder so many people there have given up on Christianity. All rights reserved. [21] Theodore of Mopsuestia, catech. 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. For example, although Communion in the hand is generally permitted at the Vatican, in recent years ministers administrating Communion at large at papal Masses have been enjoined to distribute Communion only on the tongue. 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. During the debate by the conference in the 1970s, a bishop said that he had seen a recent photo of Paul VI giving Communion in the hand to a little boy. 5. Aaron, this describes what the countries are to do where Communion in the hand was being practiced. 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. 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. 6. 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. 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. What if our way of calling our fellow Christians to a higher way were based on loving example and not polemics? The Council of Saragossa (380): Excommunicated anyone who dared continue . What's at Stake in the Debates Swirling Around Eucharistic Coherence. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. 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. Will you not then much more carefully keep watch, that not a crumb fall from youSt. Zambia, 11 March 1974 The following norms must therefore be respected. Reverence can be good if it opens us to God & neighbor and makes us more loving. Our bishops have argued that Communion in the hand is the proper way for the faithful to respond to our Lord's invitation: "All of you, take and eat this." What the bishops overlook is the fact . 1996, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. To signify, seal, and apply to believers all the benefits of the new covenant. awr. The Eucharist may not be received while a person has mortal sin in their soul. 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. Not only was Communion in the hand started in disobedience, it was perpetuated by deceit. The following norms must, therefore, be respected. 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. So Indian Bishop conference have not got any Indult for communion in hand? The condition is the complete avoidance of any cause for the faithful to be shocked and any danger of irreverence toward the Eucharist. Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. Bishops allowing introduction of the new way of receiving communion are requested to send to this Congregation after six months a report on the result of its concession.. And why so? The left hand is extended, with the right hand under the left in support (left handed persons may wish to . This action by Christ's body, the Church assembled for the Eucharist, is manifested and supported by the Communion Chant, a hymn in praise of Christ sung by the united voices of those who believe in him and share his life. This is more a question of moral theology than of liturgy. Eccl., VII, ix). We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. Its just BREAD!!. To increase sanctifying grace and all virtues in our soul. 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. The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. England and Wales, 6 March 1976 [11] In East Syria (what we would now call the Middle East) we have evidence from Ephrem the Syrian[12] and Narsai. The Netherlands, 18 September 1969 With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer Amen. But one should not by his own judgment abstain from or return to communion, as he pleases. In this way, the practice of Communion in the hand is different from other liturgical elements restored after centuries of disuse, such as the prayer of the faithful and the exchange of peace. Some scholars claim that this part of the Mystical Catechesis is not originally from St. Cyril but a later interpolation into the text. It is also difficult to ensure that the person who receives Communion effectively consumes the host. The Council of Saragossa, 380, excommunicated anyone who dared continue to receive Holy Communion in the hand. Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), 2 October 1971 My overarching point in all this (as someone who receives comfortably in both manners) is that I dont think common concerns with reception in the hand have been treated with adequate seriousness by many its defenders. I beg to differ. Does anyone have an explanation for why France, Germany, and the Low Countries were not quickly regularized once the opportunity was available? 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 . To fit our bodies for a glorious resurrection. 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. It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better-prepared groups and in favorable settings. The Communion Procession is an action of the Body of Christ. After receiving Communion our bodies become holy chalices. Churches are closing, priests are dying off, masses young people are dropping their faith, and the Church is slowly slipping into obscurity in its own homeland. But is the impression they give generally correct? 5. II], Here in India Communion is distributed both on tongue and in hand. 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. 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. [24] Trans. So it is not just tiresome traditionalists who worry about particles. It seems appropriate to conclude this reflection on the Communion Procession and the reception of Communion with a quotation from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. Mingle and flow into the palms of his disciples![22]. The wind has left our sails and many of us are adrift on uncertain seas. As seen above, the U.S. bishops were not among the first to permit Communion in the hand. Interestingly, during the Middle Ages, the reception of Holy Communion was restricted to "on the tongue" because of abuses. 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. However, when they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that the faithful make appropriate reverence, according to the norms established, before receiving the Sacrament. 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! St. Please take responsibility for the lies, the bile, and the sinful stuff. 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 .
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