Objecting to Communion in the Hand | EWTN 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. 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. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. 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. By this symbolic action, their denial would be clear to all. Look how military inspectors demand very high standards of care when inspecting barracks for cleanliness. Sacrilege is at an all-time high, yet use of the Sacrament of Confession is at an all-time low. There is so much to Communion. James Shapiro, a literature prof at Columbia, says the situation is catastrophic: One reason was the way of the world. The problem of lack of reverence stems not from the manner of receiving Communion but from the lack of faith, awe, and gratitude before this great mystery. Theres no simple solution to this issue. 5. The life of Christ, the Holy Spirit, animates each of us individually, and all of us corporately and guides us together in our efforts to become one in Christ. Finally, the fact that the Communion Procession is a profoundly religious action tells us something about the way in which we should participate in this procession. This blog is not associated with Pray Tell: An open forum on faith in South Texas. Many of us would treat your claims skeptically as unsupported rumor and gossip. The Church in Europe struggled mightilyand some might say in futilityagainst centuries of violence, sect on sect, nation vs nation. [12] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10 and Hymns on Virginity 33.7. 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. June 29, 2021 | 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. 895. Hard to believe that Catechesis has never been better if that fundamental is misunderstood. Guidelines for Receiving Holy Communion. But one should not by his own judgment abstain from or return to communion, as he pleases. I used the wordnecessarilyas an equivalent to in and of itself. There is no inherent reason why Communion in the hand is less reverent. Or is there more context that is missing? If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. Is it okay to recieve Communion in the hand? - Catholic Online The manner of receiving holy Communion - Catholic News Agency 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. 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. Indeed, it can be dangerous for contagion. 3. I am a daily witness at the Basilique du Sacr-Cur de Montmartre (Paris).. Permission for administering Communion in the hand was granted by the Holy See to the following countries and regions under Pope Paul VI:[UPDATED 3-2-18], Belgium, 31 May 1969 Upper Volta and Niger, 20 February 1970 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). The True Story of Communion in the Hand Revealed - OnePeterFive For example, there is ample evidence that the exchange of peace between the people was practiced well into the Middle Ages in several European countries. 160-161; English translation here) Some may choose to receive the Lord on the tongue while others choose to receive in the hand. It is clear that this mode of reception was considered reverent and was to be carried out in a reverent manner. It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better prepared groups and in favorable settings. Bolivia, October 15 1969 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. Catechesis has been virtually non-existent or flat-out heretical for the last 50 years. 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. [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. There are particles, and there are particles. Maybe this is due to decades of poor or heterodox catechesis on the Sacraments. 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). awr. 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.. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. The way you put it, it doesnt sound obsessive-compulsive but salutary. This helps explain why this line of thought isnt gaining much traction except on the right fringe. Please take responsibility for the lies, the bile, and the sinful stuff. I dont read any statement with canonical force saying that only those countries may apply for an indult. How to Properly Receive Communion on the Hands - catholiclegion A situation that, in the US certainly, was not necessarily governed by external uniformity (given the varieties of ethnic piety and cultural practices). A. Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist: So Indian Bishop conference have not got any Indult for communion in hand? This is precisely why there are occasions when pastoral prudence can lead to suspend the permission. To signify, seal, and apply to believers all the benefits of the new covenant. The debate was interrupted by lunch. A Journal of the McGrath Institute for Church Life, by Elizabeth Klein I beg to differ. [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). 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. Elizabeth Klein is an Assistant Professor of Theology at the, The Abandoned: Toward a Christocentric Phenomenology of Prayer, The Conclusion of Karl Rahner's Dissertation on the Origin of the Church from the Side Wound of the Crucified Christ. ADOM :: Communion: in the hand or the tongue To commemorate the death of Christ: "This do in remembrance of me." 2. awr. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. The history of the liturgy, however, makes clear that rather early on a . [22] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10, trans. 161. Guidelines for Receiving Holy Communion - Catholic News Agency It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. 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. At the same time, it is not justified to claim that Communion in the hand is necessarily less reverent or inevitably leads to abuses. The showing of tooth and claw by some traditional-leaning Catholics is a scandal that discourages neighbors, and puts a very ugly face on the Body for others to view. What a Priest Might Do If He Wants to Avoid It. Henry Percival and ed. 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. 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. However, when they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that the faithful make appropriate reverence, according to the norms established, before receiving the Sacrament. To lessen our evil inclinations. From these documents, we can deduce the following points. Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA. Communion in the hand is allowed in the United States by decision of the American Bishops. Instead of receiving in my hand, thinking "the other way is better," and quickly gobbling up the Eucharist, I took the "popular way," as a gift: I put my left hand on top of my right . These guidelines replace the guidelines approved by the Administrative Committee of the NCCB in November 1986. 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. Zambia, 11 March 1974 What if we were passionate about all that? 21. The legitimacy of Communion in the hand is not in question. It was designed: 1. After stipulating the historical practice of Communion in the hand, Memoriale Domini: defends the development of discipline that led to Communion on the tongue And to demonstrate reverence and. This article has been selected from the ZENIT Daily Dispatch Innovative Media, Inc. ZENIT International News Agency Via della Stazione di Ottavia, 95 00165 Rome, Italywww.zenit.org, To subscribe http://www.zenit.org/english/subscribe.html or email: english-request@zenit.org with SUBSCRIBE in the "subject" field, Provided Courtesy of: Eternal Word Television Network 5817 Old Leeds Road Irondale, AL 35210www.ewtn.com, HOME - EWTNews - FAITH - TELEVISION - RADIO - LIBRARY - MULTIMEDIAWHAT'S NEW - GENERAL - RELIGIOUS CATALOGUE - PILGRIMAGES - ESPAOL, EWTN | 5817 Old Leeds Rd. Finally, ensuring the application of liturgical law is above all the responsibility of the bishop and only indirectly the religious superior. 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 faithful receive Communion kneeling or standing, as established by the episcopal conference. The Reception of Holy Communion at Mass | USCCB 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. In this ordinance Christ ratifies his promises to his people, and they on their part solemnly consecrate themselves to him and to his entire service. 2. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer Amen. This practice has been requested by individual episcopal conferences and has received approval from the Apostolic See. On November 14, 1996, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the following guidelines on the reception of Communion. 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? 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. 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. Scotland, 7 July 1977 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.". I dont mean how did it come about. It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better-prepared groups and in favorable settings. When the bishops reassembled, Cardinal John Carberry of St. Louis, a determined opponent of Communion in the hand, was quick to get up to set things straight. It is a matter of particular seriousness that in places where the new practice is lawfully permitted every one of the faithful have the option of receiving communion on the tongue and even when other persons are receiving communion in the hand. Your email address will not be published. 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. Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. Documentation: Approval of Communion in the Hand under - PrayTellBlog A letter from the Congregation for Divine Worship to presidents of bishops conferences on May 29, 1969: AAS 61 (1969) 546-547; Notitiae 5 (1969) 351-353: In reply to the request of your conference of bishops regarding permission to give communion by placing the host on the hand of the faithful, I wish to communicate the following. 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. All the rites which use leavened bread are reverent but not obsessive. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (canon 844 4). Never receive Holy Communion by extending only one hand. Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. (I dont direct this at you, I mean it to everyone on all sides.). Greg., Dial., I, III, c. iii). We owe the Lord as much attention to detail. They would find many more areas we all need to work on than just their main focus. 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 . But such as, instead of their hands, make vessels of gold or other materials for the reception of the divine gift, and by these receive the immaculate communion, we by no means allow to come, as preferring inanimate and inferior matter to the image of God.[24]. 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.. It also happens, on occasion, that the free choice of those who prefer to continue the practice of receiving the Eucharist on the tongue is not taken into account in those places where the distribution of Communion in the hand has been authorized. However, cases of a deplorable lack of respect towards the Eucharistic species have been reported, cases which are imputable not only to the individuals guilty of such behavior but also to the pastors of the church who have not been vigilant enough regarding the attitude of the faithful towards the Eucharist. His blood now flows through our veins. 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. This is the reason why you say after him: Amen.[21]. are on the side of Lucifer. To that which you are you respond Amen (yes, it is true!) and by responding to it you assent to it. PDF Instructions on Receiving Holy Communion with Proper Reverence in Eph 3, trans. Unless there is a sense of discipleship rooted in baptism. Timothy O'Malley, Copyright 2023 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. [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). I think the Holy Spirit was nudging people closer to the problem, which was already in evidence decades before the Council. Monaco, 31 October 1969 When we receive Communion, we become members of Christ's Body, the Church. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. Consider that you not only receive this gift in your hand, but that you also bring it up to your mouth, and keep your tongue clean of all disgraceful and outrageous words, blasphemy, perjury and all other sins of this sort. It was proved that belief in the Real Presence is abysmal. Christ himself at the Last Supper pleaded with his Father: "Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us" (John 17:11, 21).Baptism has joined us to Christ and to one another as the vine and its branches. 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. Ireland, 4 September 1976 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. The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. 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. Since Christ is really, substantially, sacramentally present but not physically, being OC over crumbs is not devotion. Copyright 2023 Eternal Word Television Network, Inc. Irondale, Alabama. [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. 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. IMHO no, contrary to what some real traddies may say. For pastoral reasons this manner of receiving communion has been legitimately established as the most common form in the Latin rite. Receiving Holy Communion | EWTN The Controversy of Communion in the Hand Catholic Insight Luxembourg, October 15 1969 This is a fundamental misunderstanding. It is therefore difficult in the context of this present letter not to mention the sad phenomena previously referred to. 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. The bishop, however, might sometimes deal with the religious priest through his superior in these matters. [4] Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on John 6.1 and 12.1. Middle Africa, 3 February 1970 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. 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. A quick example will be found .