Catechesis has been virtually non-existent or flat-out heretical for the last 50 years. 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. 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/. 5. 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. [5] In Jerusalem, we have the mystagogical catecheses of Cyril of Jerusalem (or perhaps of his successor, John). 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! And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. Even if we presume the authenticity of the text we still do not know how long the practice lasted, whether leavened or unleavened bread was used and whether the practice was exclusive to the Church of Jerusalem. 51 (Feb), pg 62). Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university. A perception such as this is a dreadfully inaccurate and impoverished understanding of what is a significant religious action. 1396: In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. Copyright 2023 Eternal Word Television Network, Inc. Irondale, Alabama. [6] Cyril of Jerusalem, Mystagogical Catecheses 5.13. First, Cyril: Coming up to receive, therefore, do not approach with your wrists extended or your fingers splayed, but making your left hand a throne for the right (for it is about to receive a King) and cupping your palm, so receive the Body of Christ; and answer: "Amen." [20] Here is what Theodore says: 7. The fire of mercy has become for us a living sacrifice Have reverence for the honor which God has bestowed upon it, and do not lead it down to the vileness of sin.[27]. 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. Upper Volta and Niger, 20 February 1970 Monaco, 31 October 1969 Others claim that in the context of the discourse St. Cyril was referring to the clergy and not to the faithful. God has come to live in us. For example, Augustine writes, Someone might say that the Eucharist should not be received daily. The history of the liturgy, however, makes clear that rather early on a . Has done These views are sometimes strongly held. 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). The causes are myriad and often interconnected. That the conference had voted twice but failed to approve the practice and then only won the third vote by gathering absentee votes which is the article claims was unlawful? To lessen our evil inclinations. University of Notre Dame, McGrath Institute for Church Life Therefore I stand by what I wrote in the original: 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.. The Eucharist may not be received while a person has mortal sin in their soul. can. St. A quick example will be found . 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. Paraguay, 27 September 1971 The General Instruction of the Roman Missal says the following: 160. The following norms must, therefore, be respected. I think the Holy Spirit was nudging people closer to the problem, which was already in evidence decades before the Council. It is reported that a bishop shouted out, On the tongue or in the hand?. ODonaghues post, I note with interest that the countries in which Communion in the hand is alleged to have been most prevalent either did not apply for or at any rate receive an indult in these first 8 years of results. Uruguay,October 15 1969 COVID-19 Additional Questions for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 Finance FAQ for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 Personnel FAQ for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 Remote Learning FAQ for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 International Students FAQ for Catholic Schools, Forming a New Prayer and Intercessory Team at Your Parish, Resources for Existing Intercessory Prayer Teams, Mooney Real Estate Holding Company and Parish Incorporations, Stewards for Tomorrow/Archdiocese of Detroit Endowment Foundation. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? But back in the West, where most of us at PT are from, the Church is struggling. Some may choose to receive the Lord on the tongue while others choose to receive in the hand. I honestly get sick of it too. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. It is always helpful to review instructions for receiving Communion. This was the law of the Church for almost 14 centuries, and is still the general norm today. It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. The most ancient practice of distributing Holy Communion was, with all probability, to give Communion to the faithful in the palm of the hand. Jeffrey T. Wickes FotC 130 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 2015). http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2014/03/truth-about-communion-in-hand-while.html#.Wpa2wdIUnGg. Hard to believe that Catechesis has never been better if that fundamental is misunderstood. Yugoslavia, 1971 So it is not just tiresome traditionalists who worry about particles. Interestingly, during the Middle Ages, the reception of Holy Communion was restricted to "on the tongue" because of abuses. 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. Your email address will not be published. divine life. This is precisely why there are occasions when pastoral prudence can lead to suspend the permission. [15] See the council of Auxerre, canon 36 (it directs women not to receive on their bare hands, but with their hand covered by a cloth). Over the years I have read a multitude of opinions for and against, and occasionally perceived false arguments. My country is not on this list but holy communion is the norm. From these documents, we can deduce the following points. In North Africa (including Egypt) the practice is mentioned by Tertullian,[1] Cyprian,[2] Augustine,[3] Cyril of Alexandria,[4] and John Climacus. 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). In such cases, episcopal conferences should examine matters carefully and should make whatever decisions, by a secret vote and with a two-thirds majority, are needed to regulate matters. However, when they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that the faithful make appropriate reverence, according to the norms established, before receiving the Sacrament. 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. Scandinavia,October 15 1969 Do we accept an experience of the Real Presence only when the externals and the lingo of 1950 are seen and heard? As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable.. 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. Alphonse Mingana (Gorgias Press: Piscataway, NJ, 2009 [1933]). So the authors claim that he is exactly Vatican II is doubtful. Fr. 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. I am just wondering what the reason or reasons were for allowing reception of Communion in the hand to begin with? 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. 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. Their attitude of reverence must measure up to what they are doing. I wholeheartedly agree with your comment on another thread that this ongoing discussion is frivolous and is only causing needless division. Im skeptical of the claim that collecting absentee ballots for bishops conference votes is unlawful. 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 therefore difficult in the context of this present letter not to mention the sad phenomena previously referred to. I dont think reception in the hand is destroying the Church like what some prominent leaders in the Church have implied, but this practice has still had wide ranging [and not entirely positive] ramifications in the Church over the last half century, far beyond the obvious choice of the individual communicant. 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.. After stipulating the historical practice of Communion in the hand, Memoriale Domini: defends the development of discipline that led to Communion on the tongue "You're talking to someone who has only owned a smartphone for a yearI resisted," he said. The bishop, however, might sometimes deal with the religious priest through his superior in these matters. The divine coal is a common image of the Eucharist in Syrian theology. When we receive Communion, we become members of Christ's Body, the Church. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. 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. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the Eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. To continue the sacrifice of the Cross in His Church. 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.". Sure, Ill go along with that. 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. The Holy Eucharist remits venial sins by disposing us to perform acts of love and contrition. 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. 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. 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 []. 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. It was proved that belief in the Real Presence is abysmal. The communicant may choose whether to receive the Body of Christ in the hand or on the tongue. We are the Body of Christ, moving forward to receive the Christ who makes us one with himself and with one another. [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. 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. 13.3, trans. Or is there more context that is missing? The way we communicate the Gospel message is almost as important as the Gospel itself. The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Scotland, 7 July 1977 So Indian Bishop conference have not got any Indult for communion in hand? I suspect that Christ can cope with particles that get dropped but the care we show, or the lack of care, is what counts. As for decades of poor or heterodox catechesis on the Sacraments, it seems more likely that catechesis has never been better, more Scripture-based, and more soundly theological. 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. Catholics use birth control, get divorced and fornicate at the same rate as society in general, with the sin of using birth control rarely confessed. 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. If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. 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.". Communion in the hand is allowed in the United States by decision of the American Bishops. 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 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. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. The debate was interrupted by lunch. The congregation returned to this issue in the instructionImmensae Caritatis,January 29, 1973: AAS 65 (1973) 264-271; Notitiae 9 (1973) 157-164: Part 4. In the early Church, the faithful stood when receiving into their hands the consecrated particle can hardly be questioned. St. Dionysius of Alexandria [d. 265], writing to one of the popes of his time, speaks emphatically of one who has stood by the table and has extended his hand to receive the Holy Food (Eusebius [263-339], Hist. 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. 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. It is now August 2020 and I can say that you have been proven wrong. Im not aware of that limitation and would like to see proper documentation. 3. 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. Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), 2 October 1971 But to us our Lord has given both . 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 any danger or hint of danger of profaning the Eucharist. OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF. If Your Hand/Hands are Impeded . 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. On this point, I will leave you with a beautiful exhortation from the Golden Tongue: Think of what you receive in your hand and never lift it to strike another and never disgrace with the sin of assault the hand that has been honored with so great a gift. If you are the body and members of Christ, then it is your sacrament that is placed on the table of the Lord; it is your sacrament that you receive. [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. 161. 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). 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. This would be done especially if it is very difficult or impossible to fulfill the necessary conditions as outlined in the documents above. [9] Theodore of Mopsuestia, Catechetical Homilies 6. The faithful receive Communion kneeling or standing, as established by the episcopal conference. Phillip Schaff (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1889). Now we feel our affluence threatened, and the Gospel gives no comfort on that front. 915). Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. 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. If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. The symptoms are myriadI certainly would assent to much of what you cite. 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. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Handkommunion. Take a step or two to the side to make way for the next communicant, then receive our Lord. Not only was Communion in the hand started in disobedience, it was perpetuated by deceit. [26] Augustine, Letter 54.3.4, trans. For this alone is the eating referred to by our Lord ( John 6:58 ). I dont read any statement with canonical force saying that only those countries may apply for an indult. They probably never foresaw its subsequent, and occasionally chaotic, development in some parts of the Church. I would like to remind people to indicate clearly how they wish to receive. The liturgical renewal of St. Pius X which promoted the frequent reception of Communion were still quite young. [2] Cyprian, On the Good of Patience 14, On the Lapsed 16 and 26,and Letter 55.9. 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. Pray Tell here documents two statements of the Congregation for Divine Worship issued under Pope Paul VI. Most often when speaking of reverence, however, the Fathers emphasize two main things: 1) that every precaution should be taken lest the Eucharist fall to the ground and 2) that communicants should be from serious sin and quarrels with other Christians. Come see, I guess my point is that regardless of our internal reverence (or lack thereof), the way we verbally and literally communicate our faith to others, especially our children, is still very important. Guidelines for Receiving Holy Communion. New Zealand, 24 April 1974 Communion in the hand is no more hygienic than Communion in the mouth. The Netherlands, 18 September 1969 Later that year approval was given to Luxembourg, Scandinavia (Scandia), North Africa, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Monaco (see Notitiae v. 7 (1970), no. Pope Paul Vl calls attention to the purpose of the InstructionMemoriale Dominiof 29 May 1969, on retaining the traditional practice in use. Biting, tearing, casting aspersions on the faith of other Catholics: this is a damnable situation in the Church. For whatever reason, reception on the hand does not appear to convey the same level of reverence in the public consciousness as reception on the tongue. Basil the Great considered Communion in the hand so irregular that he did not hesitate to consider it a grave fault. [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. 6. When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. From the point of view of liturgical law, the relevant documents are the following. Leo P. McCauley FotC 64 (Catholic University of America Press: Washington, DC, 2000 [1970]). Does anyone have an explanation for why France, Germany, and the Low Countries were not quickly regularized once the opportunity was available? 86). Several readers pointed out that I made no mention of a text of St. Cyril when mentioning the historical foundations of the practice. 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. It also rules out arguing for an intrinsic link between a rejection of the true presence and communion in the handthe Fathers, on the whole, speak of Christs presence in the Eucharist in highly realistic terms and also received on the hand. Malaysia and Singapore, 3 October 1977, * * * * *. 2. At Christ's invitation, extended by the priest acting in Christ's person: "Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb," the members of the community move forward to share in the sacred meal, to receive the Body and Blood of Christ which is the sign and the source of their unity. He said that he had checked with the then Apostolic Delegation and had been assured that the pope was giving the boy a rosary. The wind has left our sails and many of us are adrift on uncertain seas. 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. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer 'Amen'. I do make the point that reverence, while important, is not the only or most important aspect of Communion. The guidelines recommend against serving Communion until gatherings of more than 50 people are allowed. 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. [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. 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. Please take responsibility for the lies, the bile, and the sinful stuff. 95% of parishes shrinking, seminaries empty, young people disengaged: it will happen in Africa and Asia too when the culture of the secular West overwhelms the Third World. However, it was a brief exchange with ones immediate neighbors and at a time when men and women occupied separate aisles in the church. The legitimacy of Communion in the hand is not in question. St. And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. 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. From a hygienic point of view, the hand carries a huge amount of bacteria. Jamaica, 12 March 1970 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 . Theres no simple solution to this issue. [12] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10 and Hymns on Virginity 33.7. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. To increase sanctifying grace and all virtues in our soul. Our souls ought to be purer than they, more holy, more brilliant. 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. Think of what you receive in your hand and keep it clean of all greed and theft. Their attitude of reverence must measure up to what they are doing. In order to be properly disposed to . 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. Was changing the mode reception of Communion one of them? They would find many more areas we all need to work on than just their main focus. Middle Africa, 3 February 1970 [T]hose who restrict communicants to receive Holy Communion only in the hands are acting against the norms, as are those who refuse to Christ's faithful [the right] to receive Communion in the hand in dioceses that enjoy this indult. This is a fundamental misunderstanding. Elizabeth Klein is an Assistant Professor of Theology at the Augustine Institute. 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. This means that Jesus has no eyes but our eyes, no feet . What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? 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. [23], The great and divine Apostle Paul with loud voice calls man created in the image of God, the body and temple of Christ. I think that settles it. These practices have wide evidence of use and in some ways never died out completely. 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. 48 (Sept/Oct), pg 361. awr. 6. Phillip Schaff and Henry Wace in NPNF Second Series, 14 (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1900). France, 6 June 1969 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..