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 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. When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. More people have received Communion in the past century. 160). Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. SACRED CONGREGATION FOR THE DISCIPLINE OF THE SACRAMENTS, InstructionImmensae caritatis, on facilitating reception of Communion in certain circumstances, 29 January 1973: AAS 65 (1973) 264-271; Not 9 (1973) 157-164. 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. The cultural backing. 6. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. 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 Eucharist fulfills this call: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. [9] Theodore of Mopsuestia, Catechetical Homilies 6. For you hear the words, the Body of Christ and respond Amen. Be then a member of the Body of Christ that your Amen may be true (St. Augustine, Sermon 272: PL 38, 1247). Guidelines for Receiving Holy Communion. How should this evidence be brought to bear on the modern conversation? It is therefore difficult in the context of this present letter not to mention the sad phenomena previously referred to. Elizabeth Klein is an Assistant Professor of Theology at the Augustine Institute. Some of the online advocates of kneeling/tongue seem to focus only on adoration of the Real Presence and now a cardinal has said that those who receive standing in the hand most Catholics by far! The way you put it, it doesnt sound obsessive-compulsive but salutary. Church Life Journal Finally, ensuring the application of liturgical law is above all the responsibility of the bishop and only indirectly the religious superior. Yugoslavia, 1971 On the one hand, I think this evidence precludes describing communion in the hand as intrinsically irreverent. 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. 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. Paul VI had a measure of it in 1974, and we hav emostly missed the wisdom of Evangelii Nuntiandi. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. [4] Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on John 6.1 and 12.1. [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. 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. But we doyes, verily. If, however, Communion is given under both kinds, the rite prescribed in nos. June 29, 2021 | For some, however, the experience of the Communion Procession is far more prosaic, analogous perhaps to standing in line in the supermarket or at the motor vehicle bureau. 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. 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. The Church in Europe struggled mightilyand some might say in futilityagainst centuries of violence, sect on sect, nation vs nation. Several readers pointed out that I made no mention of a text of St. Cyril when mentioning the historical foundations of the practice. The traditional and preferred method is the reception of the Host on the tongue: Step forward and kneel at the Communion rail or station (if you stand, make a sign of reverencesuch as a bow or genuflection or Sign of the Crossbefore receiving the Host and take care not to disrupt the Communion line). I did an internet search about the history of communion in the hand in the U.S. and the only thing I found was an article by the NLM. To be a pledge of everlasting life. There are many devout Catholics who find this practice helpful. Bolivia, October 15 1969 Pope Paul Vl calls attention to the purpose of the InstructionMemoriale Dominiof 29 May 1969, on retaining the traditional practice in use. A perception such as this is a dreadfully inaccurate and impoverished understanding of what is a significant religious action. I am from India. Im skeptical of the claim that collecting absentee ballots for bishops conference votes is unlawful. Reverence can be good if it opens us to God & neighbor and makes us more loving. I wholeheartedly agree with your comment on another thread that this ongoing discussion is frivolous and is only causing needless division. 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). 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. Q. The General Instruction asks each country's Conference of Bishops to determine the posture to be used for the reception of Communion and the act of reverence to be made by each person as he or she receives Communion. If one is left-handed this is reversed. [2] Cyprian, On the Good of Patience 14, On the Lapsed 16 and 26,and Letter 55.9. Come see, Aaron, this describes what the countries are to do where Communion in the hand was being practiced. What some call discipleship, others evangelizationnew or whatever, or some speak of discernment and application of spiritual gifts. The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. 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. They would find many more areas we all need to work on than just their main focus. 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. divine life. But back in the West, where most of us at PT are from, the Church is struggling. Henry Percival and ed. But one should not by his own judgment abstain from or return to communion, as he pleases. I have come to realize in the last few weeks how many of my Roman Rite brethren are actually understanding the Eucharist in a heretical way. It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better-prepared groups and in favorable settings. Alphonse Mingana (Gorgias Press: Piscataway, NJ, 2009 [1933]). are on the side of Lucifer. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. 5. 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 describes one of the purposes of the opening song of the Mass as to "foster the unity of those who have been gathered" (no. 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 . 3. They partake not of Him that is in them, they perceive Him not. 13.3, trans. Nowhere in this article did I see what the CHURCH says about Holy Communion, only the writers opinion. 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). Not only was Communion in the hand started in disobedience, it was perpetuated by deceit. Pakistan, 29 October 1976 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. 96). 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. [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). 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: I dont mean how did it come about. Eccl., VII, ix). 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. Timothy O'Malley, Copyright 2023 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. We should rejoice in that. 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. They probably never foresaw its subsequent, and occasionally chaotic, development in some parts of the Church. For example, Augustine writes, Someone might say that the Eucharist should not be received daily. In North Africa (including Egypt) the practice is mentioned by Tertullian,[1] Cyprian,[2] Augustine,[3] Cyril of Alexandria,[4] and John Climacus. But whatever the case, it is the Pope who decides to authorize it for countries, and it is indisputable that he did so. A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all. 160-161; English translation here) When the communion is distributed under both kinds, it is never permitted to place in the hands of the communicants hosts which have first been placed in the Blood of the Lord. From the point of view of liturgical law, the relevant documents are the following. 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. 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). Paraguay, 27 September 1971 Timothy O'Malley on the meaning of Eucharistic coherence in the life of the Church. Click herefor a handout that can be placed in your bulletin for your parishioner. To signify, seal, and apply to believers all the benefits of the new covenant. SACRED CONGREGATION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP, Letter En reponse a la demande, to presidents of those conferences of bishops petitioning the indult for communion in the hand, 29 May 1969: Acta Apostolicae Sedis 61 (1969) 546-547; Notitiae 5 (1969) 351-353. France, 6 June 1969 The problem is a lack of intentionality across the board, starting with the laity. Your email address will not be published. The legitimacy of Communion in the hand is not in question. Later that year approval was given to Luxembourg, Scandinavia (Scandia), North Africa, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Monaco (see Notitiae v. 7 (1970), no. 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. 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. 895. 6. 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. In 1980 St. John Paul II wrote in the apostolic letterDominicae Cenae: In some countries, the practice of receiving Communion in the hand has been introduced. 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. Mingle and flow into the palms of his disciples![22]. 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. Space doesn't allow all the details, but the propaganda in the 1970s that was used to sell Communion in the hand to a trusting, vulnerable people was a campaign of calculated half-truths that didn't tell the whole story. . 51 (Feb), pg 62). 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. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal takes this hymn very seriously, mandating that it should begin at the Communion of the priest and extend until the last person has received Communion. After stipulating the historical practice of Communion in the hand, Memoriale Domini: defends the development of discipline that led to Communion on the tongue 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. There are particles, and there are particles. His blood now flows through our veins. 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. 21. The symptoms are myriadI certainly would assent to much of what you cite. 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. Their attitude of reverence must measure up to what they are doing. I happen to accept the role of darkness within the Church, but it strikes me as being perpetrated all too often by those who style themselves the most faithful or loyal to God. 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 practice has been requested by individual episcopal conferences and has received approval from the Apostolic See. 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. And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. So the authors claim that he is exactly Vatican II is doubtful. Part 4. 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. The history of the liturgy, however, makes clear that rather early on a . 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. Now we feel our affluence threatened, and the Gospel gives no comfort on that front. New Zealand, 24 April 1974 Djibouti, 6 March 1970 [8] John Chrysostom, Homilies on Ephesians, Baptismal Instruction 12.1516, On the Incomprehensible Nature of God 6.36, and On the Priesthood 3.4. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. Our souls ought to be purer than they, more holy, more brilliant. When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. 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. A. I am just wondering what the reason or reasons were for allowing reception of Communion in the hand to begin with? 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. 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. Can you direct me to where you obtained this list? The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. Your fire, O, Our Lord we have eaten in your offering But is the impression they give generally correct? October 13, 2022. It should be noted that it is never permissible for a person to dip the host he or she has received into the chalice. 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? [26] Augustine, Letter 54.3.4, trans. 4. The left hand is extended, with the right hand under the left in support (left handed persons may wish to . As seen above, the U.S. bishops were not among the first to permit Communion in the hand. Some may choose to receive the Lord on the tongue while others choose to receive in the hand. 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. 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. 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. Others claim that in the context of the discourse St. Cyril was referring to the clergy and not to the faithful. 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). 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. 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. 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. Under the moral aspect will be considered, in reference to Holy Communion: necessity; subject; dispositions. (Original Latin text here, see pp. 161. [11] In East Syria (what we would now call the Middle East) we have evidence from Ephrem the Syrian[12] and Narsai. 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. Councils establish principles (and rarely go into specific points) and then leave it to a commission to carry out the detailed work after the Council. The condition is the complete avoidance of any cause for the faithful to be shocked and any danger of irreverence toward the Eucharist. Whether to receive Communion in the hand or on the tongue are liturgical disciplines, not dogmas. 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. Other way round, it was in the hand and changed to the tongue circa 900 in the west. Alternatively, it is permissible to adopt a simpler procedure, namely, allowing the faithful themselves to take the host from the ciborium or paten. Ive updated the post. The infamous coffee cup masses Dorothy Day describes in her book may have had good intentions behind them, but the way they appeared to trivialize the Holy Sacrifice of the mass lent no dignity to the then new Pauline mass. 4. 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. My three hypotheses were less well researched opinions on my part, theyre not (that last one was a joke on Cdl Sarahs comments, sorry if that wasnt clear), but simply launchpoints in an honest discussion on the impact of Pope Pauls Indult, and the circumstances surrounding it, whether or not they hold any real merit. Hard to believe that Catechesis has never been better if that fundamental is misunderstood. 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). The author seems to think that liturgical reforms should consist of only what an ecumenical council prescribed. Who holds the wind in the palm of his hand? The most ancient practice of distributing Holy Communion was, with all probability, to give Communion to the faithful in the palm of the hand. Zambia, 11 March 1974 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. If Your Hand/Hands are Impeded . As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable. We have no nets to cast deeply. Liturgical Press | School of Theology Seminary | Saint John's Abbey | Comments Policy | Contact Us By this symbolic action, their denial would be clear to all. 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. It is adoration of Christ, meal of fellowship, union with other communicants (hence the Church wants us to sing during reception), sharing in Christs self-sacrifice, mystical union with angels & saints, sharing even now in the heavenly banquet, having the life of the Risen Christ in oneself, a call to charity and works of justice and making real on earth the peace foreshadowed in Communion, etc. 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 .