Our souls ought to be purer than they, more holy, more brilliant. The bishop, however, might sometimes deal with the religious priest through his superior in these matters. 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. Other way round, it was in the hand and changed to the tongue circa 900 in the west. [27] John Chrysostom, Baptismal Instruction, 12.15-16, trans. Scandinavia,October 15 1969 can. Communion on the tongue remains the usual and common form of administering Holy Communion. I dont read any statement with canonical force saying that only those countries may apply for an indult. 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. Just look at what making donating money an indulgence-eligible corporal work of mercy resulted in during the Renaissance. CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Holy Communion - New Advent 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). What's at Stake in the Debates Swirling Around Eucharistic Coherence. Now we feel our affluence threatened, and the Gospel gives no comfort on that front. However, this is likely to lead to many embarrassing instances for the faithful who approach communion unaware of the situation. Pray Tell here documents two statements of the Congregation for Divine Worship issued under Pope Paul VI. 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. enough bread and wine are made ready for the communication of the faithful at each Mass.45 As a general rule, Holy Communion is given from hosts . 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. The Communion Procession is an action of the Body of Christ. If one is left-handed this is reversed. 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. 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. [24] Trans. Church Life Journal Your fire, O, Our Lord we have eaten in your offering 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. (I dont direct this at you, I mean it to everyone on all sides.). 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. Or is there more context that is missing? 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. South Africa, 1971 Fire came down and consumed the sacrifices of Elijah In this context, I think it is fair to say that the present practice of Communion in the hand is not a simple restoration of a historical custom but rather introduced a new practice in new circumstances which, while it has some historical justification, is essentially motivated by current pastoral concerns in some parts of the world. 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. 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. 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. (Catholic Encyclopedia: Genuflexion) Malaysia and Singapore, 3 October 1977, * * * * *. Who holds the wind in the palm of his hand? The new manner of giving communion must not be imposed in a way that would exclude the traditional practice. So whats missing? 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.". The Eucharist may not be received while a person has mortal sin in their soul. When one receives from the chalice, the same proclamation is made by the person distributing Communion and the Communicant again responds, "Amen." Catechesis has been virtually non-existent or flat-out heretical for the last 50 years. 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. 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. 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. From the point of view of liturgical law, the relevant documents are the following. [25] Origen of Alexandria, homily in Ex. 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. Timothy O'Malley on the meaning of Eucharistic coherence in the life of the Church. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. The list obviously is not complete, for this article says that Germany and France both received permission from the Holy See on the same day in 1969: The divine coal is a common image of the Eucharist in Syrian theology. Luxembourg, October 15 1969 These guidelines replace the guidelines approved by the Administrative Committee of the NCCB in November 1986. 3. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. Whatever one thinks about the practice today and its reemergence after Vatican II, it is important that our conversation be grounded in an accurate picture of the history of this practice. A passage from St. Cyril of Jerusalem is used to persuade Catholics that Communion in the hand is an ancient practice legitimately restored after Vatican II. Under the moral aspect will be considered, in reference to Holy Communion: necessity; subject; dispositions. However, it was a brief exchange with ones immediate neighbors and at a time when men and women occupied separate aisles in the church. This means that Jesus has no eyes but our eyes, no feet . I honestly get sick of it too. IMHO no, contrary to what some real traddies may say. A Pastoral Guide to Receiving Communion - Crisis Magazine 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. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer 'Amen'. This helps explain why this line of thought isnt gaining much traction except on the right fringe. 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. 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. Im not aware of that limitation and would like to see proper documentation. 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. Never receive Holy Communion by extending only one hand. Some scholars claim that this part of the Mystical Catechesis is not originally from St. Cyril but a later interpolation into the text. Rather maddeningly, it is the Anglicans who in the West have retained the practice as described by St. Cyril, while contemporary Latin-rite Catholics tend to consume the Host as if it were a potato chip., From the historical point of view, we can say that there is strong evidence that the practice existed in early centuries in some areas of the Church. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. Madagascar 2 March 1970 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. On the one hand, I think this evidence precludes describing communion in the hand as intrinsically irreverent. The causes are myriad and often interconnected. France, 6 June 1969 [2] Cyprian, On the Good of Patience 14, On the Lapsed 16 and 26,and Letter 55.9. R. E. Heine FotC 21 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 1982). in Eph 3, trans. Greg., Dial., I, III, c. iii). 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. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. 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. [21] Theodore of Mopsuestia, catech. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. In an even more elevated tone, Ephrem the Syrian, in a stunning passage, invites the Christian communicant to feel awe at what is placed in his or her hand, since even the Seraph did not take the divine coal with his hand, nor did the prophet Isaiah eat it (see: Isa 6:6). [12] Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Faith 10 and Hymns on Virginity 33.7. [26] Augustine, Letter 54.3.4, trans. As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We should rejoice in that. Do we accept an experience of the Real Presence only when the externals and the lingo of 1950 are seen and heard? Has the Holy Eucharist any other effect? From the historical point of view, we can say that there is strong evidence that the practice existed in early centuries in some areas of the Church. Pope Paul Vl approved this Instruction, confirmed it with his authority, and ordered its publication, setting the day of publication as its effective date. Why? Is it okay to recieve Communion in the hand? - Catholic Online If, however, Communion is given under both kinds, the rite prescribed in nos. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable.. 1396: In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. The problem is a lack of intentionality across the board, starting with the laity. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. 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. 4. Djibouti, 6 March 1970 FYI, the announcement that approval for Communion in the Hand was given (in 1969) to Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, and Chad appeared in Notitiae in v. 6 (1969), no. It is simply reading too much into this practice, and it is not correct to support something one favors by denigrating another practice. 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.. Debunking the myth that today's Communion in the hand - LifeSite 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. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. I think proponents of tongue/kneeling will get a better hearing if they uphold all aspects of Communion. 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. Communion on Tongue vs. Hand? The Most Important Thing to Know: Hold This reply aged like Milk (currently January 2022). 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. 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. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer Amen. I would like to remind people to indicate clearly how they wish to receive. Then he saw that it was futile. At the same time, it is not justified to claim that Communion in the hand is necessarily less reverent or inevitably leads to abuses. Holt Orders cannot sustain the Church, no matter how much traditionalists preach priests are of the utmost importance. There is so much to Communion. There are particles, and there are particles. How should this evidence be brought to bear on the modern conversation? 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. Do we have faith in the efficacy of the sacraments or not? Cdl. McElroy doubles down on heresy, pushes Communion for 'sexually The Council of Saragossa (380): Excommunicated anyone who dared continue . 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. 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. Monaco, 31 October 1969 The symptoms are myriadI certainly would assent to much of what you cite. 6. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. 6. 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. Theres no simple solution to this issue. But whatever the case, it is the Pope who decides to authorize it for countries, and it is indisputable that he did so. St. The Church understands the Communion Procession, in fact every procession in liturgy, as a sign of the pilgrim Church, the body of those who believe in Christ, on their way to the Heavenly Jerusalem. 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. The way we communicate the Gospel message is almost as important as the Gospel itself. The True Story of Communion in the Hand Revealed - OnePeterFive The left hand is extended, with the right hand under the left in support (left handed persons may wish to . 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. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. There is also evidence that this was a contested subject (i.e., about what sins prevent someone from receiving), as it would continue to be throughout the history of the Church.
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