The rationale for Communion on the hands being an ancient practice is from St. Cyril of Jerusalem. 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 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.. For Catholics: As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. [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). [27] John Chrysostom, Baptismal Instruction, 12.15-16, trans. The sad fact that in recent years hosts consecrated by a Pope have been offered for sale on the Internet further motivates this precautionary measure. Unless there is a sense of discipleship rooted in baptism. 160-161; English translation here) This helps explain why this line of thought isnt gaining much traction except on the right fringe. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. 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. Greg., Dial., I, III, c. iii). 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. Jesus wants to use our hands, which have now become His hands, to help those in need. 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. 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? 284-287 is to be followed.. The fire of mercy has become for us a living sacrifice "You're talking to someone who has only owned a smartphone for a yearI resisted," he said. It preserves us from mortal sin by exciting us to greater fervor and strengthening us against temptation. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. 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. Maybe this is part of a grand conspiracy by Satan to destroy the Church (ok, probably not that). Yugoslavia, 1971 This reply aged like Milk (currently January 2022). It is reported that a bishop shouted out, On the tongue or in the hand?. And of course Pope Paul VI was adamant that all the reforms carried out under him were faithful to the Second Vatican Council. However, since it is a permission, it does not generate an absolute right, and the pastors can rescind the permission, either generally or in particular circumstances if objective motives exist for doing so. This is more a question of moral theology than of liturgy. So whats missing? 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. The liturgical renewal of St. Pius X which promoted the frequent reception of Communion were still quite young. North Africa,October 15 1969 The communicant may choose whether to receive the Body of Christ in the hand or on the tongue. While we have the option of receiving holy Communion either on the tongue or on the hand, we must always be mindful of receiving our Lord respectfully. 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. 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? They would find many more areas we all need to work on than just their main focus. 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 . 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). Shapiro picked up an abused-looking iPhone from his desk. It is therefore difficult in the context of this present letter not to mention the sad phenomena previously referred to. These need to be taken seriously if one wants to effectively engage in these discussions with the likes of Cardinal Sarah and others. The legitimacy of Communion in the hand is not in question. A. Can you direct me to where you obtained this list? We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. Instead, this option must increase in them a consciousness of the dignity of the members of Christs Mystical Body, into which they are incorporated by baptism and by the grace of the Eucharist. I make no judgment about who is guilty of this- I dont know most of the people by far and am in no position to judge. Uruguay,October 15 1969 Take a step or two to the side to make way for the next communicant, then receive our Lord. 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. For this reason, since the question of Communion in the hand is not a question of faith as such, and it has been approved by the legitimate authority, I do not believe that a priest can invoke conscience as a motive for refusing to apply a legitimate law. Pray Tell here documents two statements of the Congregation for Divine Worship issued under Pope Paul VI. 1. I beg to differ. Yet even here, the experts sometimes forgot the unrepeatable reality of original circumstances so that restoration is never quite the same. 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. One could have perfect adoration of Real Presence in humble posture and, at least in theory, miss the point of Communion. Later that year approval was given to Luxembourg, Scandinavia (Scandia), North Africa, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Monaco (see Notitiae v. 7 (1970), no. W.R., Goa, India. Germany, 6 June 1969 On November 14, 1996, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the following guidelines on the reception of Communion. 2. 13.3, trans. For tell me, if any one gave you grains of gold, would you not hold them with all carefulness, being on your guard against losing any of them, and suffering loss? Australia, 26 September 1975 Do we accept an experience of the Real Presence only when the externals and the lingo of 1950 are seen and heard? It is not appropriate to reach out with the fingers and take the host from the person distributing. Finally, ensuring the application of liturgical law is above all the responsibility of the bishop and only indirectly the religious superior. England and Wales, 6 March 1976 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. The condition is the complete avoidance of any cause for the faithful to be shocked and any danger of irreverence toward the Eucharist. However, when they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that the faithful make appropriate reverence, according to the norms established, before receiving the Sacrament. Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. Do we have faith in the efficacy of the sacraments or not? [12] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10 and Hymns on Virginity 33.7. This is a fundamental misunderstanding. So Indian Bishop conference have not got any Indult for communion in hand? To unite us to Himself and to nourish our soul with His Copyright 2023 Eternal Word Television Network, Inc. Irondale, Alabama. [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. The faithful should consume the host before returning to their place; the ministers part will be brought out by use of the usual formulary, The body of Christ, to which the communicant replies: Amen. 1. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. First, Chrysostom in one of his Homilies on Ephesians: What, do you not see the holy vessels so thoroughly cleansed all over, so resplendent? Madagascar 2 March 1970 Canada, 12 February 1970 The Council of Saragossa (380): Excommunicated anyone who dared continue . 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). 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. [25] Origen of Alexandria, homily in Ex. Paul VI had a measure of it in 1974, and we hav emostly missed the wisdom of Evangelii Nuntiandi. 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. Paraguay, 27 September 1971 The following norms must, therefore, be respected. Papua and New Guinea, 28 April 1976 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. 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 . It was designed: 1. 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. July 2, 2020 ( LifeSiteNews) Many bishops around the world are attempting to compel Catholics, who are in the right dispositions to approach the Holy Eucharist, to receive Our Lord in the. 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. Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread (1 Cor 10:16-17). 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. Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university. 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. [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). Blog Staff and Editorial Advisory Committee, http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Handkommunion, http://www.cultodivino.va/content/cultodivino/it/rivista-notitiae/indici-annate.html, From the Wires: U.S. Catholic Priests Are Increasingly Conservative as Faithful Grow More Liberal, Yale Organ Week: Now Accepting Applications, The North American Academy of Liturgy, 2023, New Open-Access, Ecumenical Journal Powered by the University of Vienna, Is the Eucharistic Revival a Liturgical Revival (Part 2), What Did Jesus Know? Its just BREAD!!. But one should not by his own judgment abstain from or return to communion, as he pleases. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. Many pathogens are transmitted through the hands. 48 (Sept/Oct), pg 361. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. St. Timothy O'Malley, Copyright 2023 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). All our lives we who believe in Christ are moving in time toward that moment when we will be taken by death from this world and enter into the joy of the Lord in the eternal Kingdom he has prepared for us. 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.. 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. 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. Why? 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. 915). [11] In East Syria (what we would now call the Middle East) we have evidence from Ephrem the Syrian[12] and Narsai. South Africa, 1971 Roland Teske (Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 2001). Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. This was the law of the Church for almost 14 centuries, and is still the general norm today. 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 condition is the complete avoidance of any cause for the faithful to be shocked and any danger of irreverence toward the Eucharist. Think of what you receive in your hand and keep it clean of all greed and theft. Dear Patrick, Mingle and flow into the palms of his disciples![22]. 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. Hard to believe that Catechesis has never been better if that fundamental is misunderstood. To commemorate the death of Christ: "This do in remembrance of me." 2. Phillip Schaff and Henry Wace in NPNF Second Series, 14 (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1900). The missal of 1570 eliminated almost all sequences and moved the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar to the beginning of the Order of Mass though the Council of Trent never said a word about either. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable. Fire came down and consumed the sacrifices of Elijah [26] Augustine, Letter 54.3.4, trans. But as time passed it became the practice to receive Communion directly on the tongue in order to assure that the Host was received reverently. 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. A situation that, in the US certainly, was not necessarily governed by external uniformity (given the varieties of ethnic piety and cultural practices). Monaco, 31 October 1969 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. http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2014/03/truth-about-communion-in-hand-while.html#.Wpa2wdIUnGg. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. These guidelines replace the guidelines approved by the Administrative Committee of the NCCB in November 1986. 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.