Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. 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? 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. The rite of communion in the hand must not be put into practice indiscriminately. No wonder so many people there have given up on Christianity. I quite deliberately eschewed entering the historical argument as it would have digressed from the main point of that article. The Truth About Communion in the Hand | The Fatima Center "You're talking to someone who has only owned a smartphone for a yearI resisted," he said. 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. In the context of the reception of Communion, this means a cognizance of both Church history and contemporary cultural nuances. 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). New Zealand, 24 April 1974 This means that Jesus has no eyes but our eyes, no feet . 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 would be done especially if it is very difficult or impossible to fulfill the necessary conditions as outlined in the documents above. I think the Holy Spirit was nudging people closer to the problem, which was already in evidence decades before the Council. And of course Pope Paul VI was adamant that all the reforms carried out under him were faithful to the Second Vatican Council. If Your Hand/Hands are Impeded . Pray Tell here documents two statements of the Congregation for Divine Worship issued under Pope Paul VI. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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). 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 . St. 96). 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. Library : Holy Communion in the Hand? | Catholic Culture The person distributing Communion says audibly to each person approaching, "The Body of Christ." The Communion Procession is an action of the Body of Christ. These practices have wide evidence of use and in some ways never died out completely. 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. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal says the following: 160. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. The Eucharist may not be received while a person has mortal sin in their soul. The recent survey asking Catholics about Holy Communion indicates that 70% DO NOT BELIEVE that Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus. 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). The rationale for Communion on the hands being an ancient practice is from St. Cyril of Jerusalem. 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). Leo P. McCauley FotC 64 (Catholic University of America Press: Washington, DC, 2000 [1970]). For pastoral reasons this manner of receiving communion has been legitimately established as the most common form in the Latin rite. 1. The True Story of Communion in the Hand Revealed - OnePeterFive It is a matter of particular seriousness that in places where the new practice is lawfully permitted every one of the faithful has the option of receiving communion on the tongue and even when other persons are receiving communion in the hand. [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). The option offered to the faithful of receiving the Eucharistic bread in their hand and putting it into their own mouth must not turn out to be the occasion for regarding it as ordinary bread or as just another religious article. IMHO no, contrary to what some real traddies may say. 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. Hence any baptized Catholic who is not prevented by law must be admitted to Holy Communion. These views are sometimes strongly held. 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. 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. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? - AOD Can We Be Required to Receive Communion in the Hand, Because of the 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/. Maybe this is part of a grand conspiracy by Satan to destroy the Church (ok, probably not that). Excelling, therefore, every sensible creature, he who by the saving Passion has attained to the celestial dignity, eating and drinking Christ, is fitted in all respects for eternal life, sanctifying his soul and body by the participation of divine grace. Maybe this is due to decades of poor or heterodox catechesis on the Sacraments. [9] Theodore of Mopsuestia, Catechetical Homilies 6. In order to be properly disposed to . Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. Phillip Schaff (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1889). They would find many more areas we all need to work on than just their main focus. The debate was interrupted by lunch. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. It is therefore difficult in the context of this present letter not to mention the sad phenomena previously referred to. 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. What if we were passionate about all that? Fr. 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. Featured Image: Rossano Gospels, Last Supper, 6th c.; Source: Wikimedia Commons, PD-Old-100. Madagascar 2 March 1970 This was the law of the Church for almost 14 centuries, and is still the general norm today. I think proponents of tongue/kneeling will get a better hearing if they uphold all aspects of Communion. 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. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. However, this is likely to lead to many embarrassing instances for the faithful who approach communion unaware of the situation. Debunking the myth that today's Communion in the hand - LifeSite Come see,
[26] Augustine, Letter 54.3.4, trans. (I dont direct this at you, I mean it to everyone on all sides.). So it is not just tiresome traditionalists who worry about particles. A priest who is not directly responsible for the care of souls should be even more respectful of local practice. The problem is a lack of intentionality across the board, starting with the laity. Battered Gargoyles & The Human Future - Rod Dreher's Diary [10] See John Damascene, On the Orthodox Faith, 4.13. We would also do well to teach, as the Fathers do, that reverence is not only about proper reception of the Eucharist, but also about living the kind of life to which the Eucharist commits us. Scandinavia,October 15 1969 The Holy Eucharist remits venial sins by disposing us to perform acts of love and contrition. 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. Catechesis has been virtually non-existent or flat-out heretical for the last 50 years. University of Notre Dame, McGrath Institute for Church Life Does anyone have an explanation for why France, Germany, and the Low Countries were not quickly regularized once the opportunity was available? 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. [2] Cyprian, On the Good of Patience 14, On the Lapsed 16 and 26,and Letter 55.9. The Proper Way to Receive Holy Communion - Shrub Oak, NY Other way round, it was in the hand and changed to the tongue circa 900 in the west. 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. If, however, Communion is given under both kinds, the rite prescribed in nos. 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 It is always helpful to review instructions for receiving Communion. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. awr. Scotland, 7 July 1977 We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. It was designed: 1. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. How to Take Communion in the Catholic Church: 10 Steps - wikiHow A. 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. Our worship ought to create common unity under Christ, not destroy it. 161. In the light of the above, we can come to the heart of the matter as to whether a priest may invoke the question of conscience in order to refuse to distribute Communion in the hand. CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Holy Communion - New Advent The faithful receive Communion kneeling or standing, as established by the episcopal conference. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? I am just wondering what the reason or reasons were for allowing reception of Communion in the hand to begin with? Uruguay,October 15 1969 It is not appropriate to reach out with the fingers and take the host from the person distributing. Whether to receive Communion in the hand or on the tongue are liturgical disciplines, not dogmas. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. Unless there is a sense of discipleship rooted in baptism. Fire consumed the offering
For the first few centuries of the Church, receiving Communion in the hand was a common practice. [] It is not permitted for the faithful to take the consecrated Bread or the sacred chalice by themselves and, still less, to hand them on from one to another among themselves. That said, there are dimensions to this discussion that I think are both valuable and havent been given much screen time overall. 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. I wholeheartedly agree with your comment on another thread that this ongoing discussion is frivolous and is only causing needless division. Copyright PrayTellBlog.com 843 1; cf. Is it okay to recieve Communion in the hand? - Catholic Online How to Receive the Eucharist | Catholic Answers Please remember that there is no "right" way to receive. 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: For one who eats unworthily eats and drinks to his own condemnation (1 Cor 11:29). Luxembourg, October 15 1969 By this symbolic action, their denial would be clear to all. A situation that, in the US certainly, was not necessarily governed by external uniformity (given the varieties of ethnic piety and cultural practices). 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. South Africa, 1971 I think youre right that, without an explicitly limiting clause, there is no canonically binding restriction to those countries, and that the subsequent granting of dispensation ultimately belied such restriction. 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. Will you not then much more carefully keep watch, that not a crumb fall from youSt. 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. Phillip Schaff and Henry Wace in NPNF Second Series, 14 (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1900). Communion on the tongue remains the usual and common form of administering Holy Communion. The Eucharist fulfills this call: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? 48 (Sept/Oct), pg 361. 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. Receiving the Host in the Hand | Franciscan Media 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. 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. Bishops Cannot Mandate Communion on the Hand or Forbid Communion on the