The communicant may choose whether to receive the Body of Christ in the hand or on the tongue. Hence, my theory is that the wide granting of the indult exceeded its initially intended scope as continued prompting from advisors and larger-than-anticipated requests from conferences overcame the popes reluctance. [5] In Jerusalem, we have the mystagogical catecheses of Cyril of Jerusalem (or perhaps of his successor, John). On November 14, 1996, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the following guidelines on the reception of Communion. Germany, 6 June 1969 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. Just look at what making donating money an indulgence-eligible corporal work of mercy resulted in during the Renaissance. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. [23] John Chrysostom, hom. How to Properly Receive Communion on the Hands - catholiclegion On the other hand, this mode of communion is not anywhere associated with lay involvement or accessibility, nor is it thought to de-emphasize the role of the priest. 5. in Eph 3, trans. 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. The host will then be laid in the palm of the left hand and then taken by the right hand to the mouth. Part 4. Pope Paul Vl calls attention to the purpose of the InstructionMemoriale Dominiof 29 May 1969, on retaining the traditional practice in use. Can you direct me to where you obtained this list? In each of the Eucharistic Prayers, though the petition is worded in slightly different ways, God is asked to send his Holy Spirit to make us one body, one spirit in Christ; the General Instruction admonishes the faithful that "they are to form one body, whether in hearing the Word of God, or in taking part in the prayers and in the singing" (no. Library : Holy Communion in the Hand? | Catholic Culture Has the Holy Eucharist any other effect? 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. The practice of communion on the tongue with the use of patens in the West, and in both kinds on a spoon with a drop cloth in the East, moreover, are natural developments from the concern of the Early Church to prevent Eucharistic mishaps. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. A. Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist: Chad, 18 September 1969 [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. 6, trans. Liturgical Press | School of Theology Seminary | Saint John's Abbey | Comments Policy | Contact Us If he is a religious priest, what actions can a legitimate superior take as regards the member who denies Communion in the hand? This formula should not be altered, as it is a proclamation which calls for a response of faith on the part of the one who receives. Why? They should be grave and objective questions related to good and evil. Communion in the hand is allowed in the United States by decision of the American Bishops. Fire came down and consumed the sacrifices of Elijah 6. However, this is likely to lead to many embarrassing instances for the faithful who approach communion unaware of the situation. 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. Interestingly, during the Middle Ages, the reception of Holy Communion was restricted to "on the tongue" because of abuses. Scandinavia,October 15 1969 [6] Cyril of Jerusalem, Mystagogical Catecheses 5.13. The Council of Saragossa, 380, excommunicated anyone who dared continue to receive Holy Communion in the hand. The Church in Europe struggled mightilyand some might say in futilityagainst centuries of violence, sect on sect, nation vs nation. (Catholic Encyclopedia: Genuflexion) Whether to receive Communion in the hand or on the tongue are liturgical disciplines, not dogmas. Fire and Spirit, contrary to nature Ruff, I think we both agree that internal reverence is the most important aspect of this discussion (and therefore the ways each manner serves that) and I know many reverent people who do both. What some call discipleship, others evangelizationnew or whatever, or some speak of discernment and application of spiritual gifts. Bishops Cannot Mandate Communion on the Hand or Forbid Communion on the For one who eats unworthily eats and drinks to his own condemnation (1 Cor 11:29). It is also difficult to ensure that the person who receives Communion effectively consumes the host. 51 (Feb), pg 62). Fast forward to 2004, when The Congregation for Divine Worship in its new Instruction named Redemptionis Sacramentum, stated: "Although each of the faithful always has the right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, at his choice, if any communicant should wish to receive the Sacrament in the hand the sacred host is to be administered . The new manner of giving communion must not be imposed in a way that would exclude the traditional practice. 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. 1396: In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. These views are sometimes strongly held. Because, he says, one should choose the days on which one lives with more purity and self-control in order to approach so great a sacrament worthily. CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Holy Communion - New Advent 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. [24] Trans. II], 91). And some who do have lost their strength or nerve. Communion should not be received on the run, as you're walking back to your place; it should be consumed before you leave the area below the altar. As further documentation,Pray Tell provides this excerpt from the 2002General Instruction of the Roman Missal in Latin and English on the reception of Communion. 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. For this alone is the eating referred to by our Lord ( John 6:58 ). Biting, tearing, casting aspersions on the faith of other Catholics: this is a damnable situation in the Church. They probably never foresaw its subsequent, and occasionally chaotic, development in some parts of the Church. It is difficult for some of us to embrace this emphasis on Mass as the action of a community rather than an individual act of my own faith and piety, but it is important that we make every effort to do so. Elizabeth Klein is an Assistant Professor of Theology at the Augustine Institute. Aaron, St. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable. When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. Gross Alexander NPNF 13, ed. In comparing the indult list provided in this post with the brief history of Fr. Have reverence for the honor which God has bestowed upon it, and do not lead it down to the vileness of sin.[27]. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 5.21, trans. To continue the sacrifice of the Cross in His Church. The manner of receiving holy Communion - Catholic News Agency His blood now flows through our veins. 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.. 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. Cardinals Thorne (Peru) and Caffarra (Bologna) have banned Communion in the hand, citing reasons of abuse and disrespect. Abuse. Blasphemy. Communion in the hand? Catholic Insight 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. 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 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. So the authors claim that he is exactly Vatican II is doubtful. I honestly get sick of it too. 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. Madagascar 2 March 1970 [26] Augustine, Letter 54.3.4, trans. [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. 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. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer Amen. 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. The Holy Eucharist remits venial sins by disposing us to perform acts of love and contrition. http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Handkommunion. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable.. 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], To receive the Sacrament which is given, a person stretches out his right hand, and under it he places the left hand. The [Seraph] did not hold it, and [Isaiah] did not eat it Yet even here, the experts sometimes forgot the unrepeatable reality of original circumstances so that restoration is never quite the same. 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. Communion in the hand is no more hygienic than Communion in the mouth. This is the quote that is always used: " make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King. How to Take Communion in the Catholic Church: 10 Steps - wikiHow So whats missing? All of us are only grasping a hint of it. Since practices vary from one church to another, we hope these guidelines help you feel more at home. 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. 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 . Under the moral aspect will be considered, in reference to Holy Communion: necessity; subject; dispositions. IMHO no, contrary to what some real traddies may say. 86). We are the Body of Christ, moving forward to receive the Christ who makes us one with himself and with one another. [2] Cyprian, On the Good of Patience 14, On the Lapsed 16 and 26,and Letter 55.9. Click herefor a handout that can be placed in your bulletin for your parishioner. . Follow-up: Objecting to Communion in the Hand (10-16-2018), Pursuant to my reflections on Communion in the hand (October 2), a reader from France claimed that It is totally justified to claim that Communion in the hand is necessarily less reverent or inevitably leads to abuses. Instruction on the Manner of Distributing Holy Communion Required fields are marked *. The author claims that Communion in the hand could only be authorized in countries where it was an established practice but doesnt give a citation. The people administering the sacrament are asked to use hand sanitizer immediately before. For example, Augustine writes, Someone might say that the Eucharist should not be received daily. [17] See Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 7.9.4. [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). 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. 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? The following norms must, therefore, be respected. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. There are particles, and there are particles. [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. [2] 2 Accept Communion in a state of grace. Thanks for this, Dennis. As soon as the communicant receives the host, he or she consumes the whole of it. 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 not appropriate to reach out with the fingers and take the host from the person distributing. To be a pledge of everlasting life. 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. (Original Latin text here, see pp. However, he should not refuse to administer Communion to those faithful desirous of availing themselves of a legitimate authorization. A priest who is not directly responsible for the care of souls should be even more respectful of local practice. To lessen our evil inclinations. The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. 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). The wind has left our sails and many of us are adrift on uncertain seas. The Council of Saragossa (380): Excommunicated anyone who dared continue . Q. Of note for the modern debate, both John Chrysostom and the Council of Constantinople in Trullo argue that human beings, made in the image of God and capable of communing with him, are more worthy to touch the Eucharist than vessels of gold and silver. If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. ADOM :: Communion: in the hand or the tongue Greg., Dial., I, III, c. iii). 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. To fit our bodies for a glorious resurrection. The faithful receive Communion kneeling or standing, as established by the episcopal conference. With regard to the second, we have many early witnesses including Paul (see 1 Cor 11:27) and the Didache (seechapter 14). While we cannot admit them to Holy Communion, we ask them to offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family. Eccl., VII, ix). Others claim that in the context of the discourse St. Cyril was referring to the clergy and not to the faithful. Then he saw that it was futile. 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? 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). Some scholars claim that this part of the Mystical Catechesis is not originally from St. Cyril but a later interpolation into the text. Do we have faith in the efficacy of the sacraments or not? The cultural backing. The bishop, however, might sometimes deal with the religious priest through his superior in these matters. What is Communion? It's Meaning and Symbolism Explained - Bible Study Tools [11] In East Syria (what we would now call the Middle East) we have evidence from Ephrem the Syrian[12] and Narsai. Does anyone have an explanation for why France, Germany, and the Low Countries were not quickly regularized once the opportunity was available? 284-287 is to be followed.. This is a fundamental misunderstanding. Our souls ought to be purer than they, more holy, more brilliant. Here in India Communion is distributed both on tongue and in hand. http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2014/03/truth-about-communion-in-hand-while.html#.Wpa2wdIUnGg. France, 6 June 1969 Reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament | The Fatima Center But to us our Lord has given both . 1996, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Receiving Communion The Sacrament of Holy Communion (also known as The Lord's Supper or Eucharist) has been precious and life-giving to Christians for 2,000 years. In the United States, the body of Bishops has determined that "[t]he norm is that Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling"and that a bow is the act of reverence made by those receiving (no. Cdl. McElroy doubles down on heresy, pushes Communion for 'sexually 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. 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 []. And having hollowed your palm, receive the Body of Christ, saying over it, Amen. Nowhere in this article did I see what the CHURCH says about Holy Communion, only the writers opinion. 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. How to Receive the Eucharist | Catholic Answers 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). Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), 2 October 1971 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. My country is not on this list but holy communion is the norm. 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. 7. 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. In defending his push to give Communion to grave sinners, McElroy reiterated his belief that conscience has the "privileged place" over doctrine in decision-making and suggested that it can . Other way round, it was in the hand and changed to the tongue circa 900 in the west. 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. [10] See John Damascene, On the Orthodox Faith, 4.13. From a hygienic point of view, the hand carries a huge amount of bacteria. It is bad if it makes us prideful/judgmental and distracts from more important things. 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. can. 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. 161. Jeffrey T. Wickes FotC 130 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 2015). Permission for administering Communion in the hand was granted by the Holy See to the United States on June 17, 1977 and has since become almost the universal norm in the Ordinary Form. 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.. 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. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal says the following: 160. Communion on Tongue vs. Hand? The Most Important Thing to Know: Hold 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. Objecting to Communion in the Hand | EWTN Hence any baptized Catholic who is not prevented by law must be admitted to Holy Communion. 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.
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