The person distributing Communion says audibly to each person approaching, "The Body of Christ." From these documents, we can deduce the following points. 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. To lessen our evil inclinations. A parish priest, or the rector of a sanctuary, might have objective reasons for not applying the permission if there is any danger of profanation or lack of respect. 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. So the authors claim that he is exactly Vatican II is doubtful. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the Eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. 895. [25] Origen of Alexandria, homily in Ex. Instruction on the Manner of Distributing Holy Communion 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. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. awr. [16] Bede, Ecclesiastical History of the English People, 4.24. But is the impression they give generally correct? We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. Has done Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church: Receiving Communion 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. In light of some genuinely moving testimonies on the merits of reception in the hand, we cannot ignore that reverence for the Eucharist and belief in the Real Presence among Catholic laity has greatly declined since around the time in which this practice reenterred the Roman Rite after a millennium of absence. 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. [11] In East Syria (what we would now call the Middle East) we have evidence from Ephrem the Syrian[12] and Narsai. 1. They partake not of Him that is in them, they perceive Him not. The following norms must therefore be respected. Bishops Cannot Mandate Communion on the Hand or Forbid Communion on the 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. 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.. On the other hand, if the sins are not so great that a person should be judged to deserve excommunication, he ought not to withdraw from the daily medicine of the Lords body.[26]. The True Story of Communion in the Hand Revealed - OnePeterFive Gross Alexander NPNF 13, ed. Who holds the wind in the palm of his hand? 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. Churches are closing, priests are dying off, masses young people are dropping their faith, and the Church is slowly slipping into obscurity in its own homeland. Papua and New Guinea, 28 April 1976 ), Pray Tell: An open forum on faith in South Texas. [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. For it is a deed fraught with destruction to take the tongue which serve such awesome mysteries, which has become purpled with a blood so precious, which has become a sword of gold and to change its course to abuse, insolence and ribald jests. 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. 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. You should thus draw near with great awe and love, according to the greatness of that which is given: with awe, because of the greatness of (its) honour; and with love, because of (its) grace. Henry Percival and ed. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ's prayer for us "that they may all be one" (Jn 17:21). The congregation returned to this issue in the instructionImmensae Caritatis,January 29, 1973: AAS 65 (1973) 264-271; Notitiae 9 (1973) 157-164: Part 4. These views are sometimes strongly held. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. 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. The Council was a start, but we have allowed ourselves to get sidetracked in silly and divisive banter. II], When one receives from the chalice, the same proclamation is made by the person distributing Communion and the Communicant again responds, "Amen." 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. Many pathogens are transmitted through the hands. To signify, seal, and apply to believers all the benefits of the new covenant. Will you not then much more carefully keep watch, that not a crumb fall from youSt. New Zealand, 24 April 1974 And to demonstrate reverence and. 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. Canada, 12 February 1970 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. 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. The cultural backing. 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. 284-287 is to be followed.. 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. Never receive Holy Communion by extending only one hand. This practice has been requested by individual episcopal conferences and has received approval from the Apostolic See. As seen above, the U.S. bishops were not among the first to permit Communion in the hand. France, 6 June 1969 I quite deliberately eschewed entering the historical argument as it would have digressed from the main point of that article. Because those vessels are made so for our sakes. 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. 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? In fact, each time we move forward together to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord, we join the countless ranks of all the baptized who have gone before us, our loved ones, the canonized and uncanonized saints down through the ages, who at their time in history formed a part of this mighty stream of believers. Shapiro picked up an abused-looking iPhone from his desk. A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. I honestly get sick of it too. So Indian Bishop conference have not got any Indult for communion in hand? 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. 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. Fr. Pope Paul Vl calls attention to the purpose of the InstructionMemoriale Dominiof 29 May 1969, on retaining the traditional practice in use. To fit our bodies for a glorious resurrection. 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. 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. Theres no simple solution to this issue. The Holy Eucharist remits venial sins by disposing us to perform acts of love and contrition. I similarly think Cardinal Sarahs frankly ridiculous comments about Lucifer are draining credibility from his cause (one that I admittedly align with sometimes), even if some of his proposals are good ones. The condition is the complete avoidance of any cause for the faithful to be shocked and any danger of irreverence toward the Eucharist. 6. Ireland, 4 September 1976 Japan, 27 June 1970 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). If you are the body and members of Christ, then it is your sacrament that is placed on the table of the Lord; it is your sacrament that you receive. It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. 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. Since practices vary from one church to another, we hope these guidelines help you feel more at home. After receiving Communion our bodies become holy chalices. The large numbers of faithful and the general hustle and bustle at the moment of communion make it quite easy for a host to fall to the ground. [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. Here in India Communion is distributed both on tongue and in hand. June 29, 2021 | [18] Moreover, an early illuminated gospel, the Rosanno Gospels, depicts the last supper as a communion line, where the disciples receive in cupped hands while bowed. In the context of the reception of Communion, this means a cognizance of both Church history and contemporary cultural nuances. Djibouti, 6 March 1970 Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS) TOP Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. The way we communicate the Gospel message is almost as important as the Gospel itself. When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. The question has been asked for a long time since the Church has often allowed both methods of reception. 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. Malaysia and Singapore, 3 October 1977, * * * * *. Documentation: Approval of Communion in the Hand under - PrayTellBlog All the rites which use leavened bread are reverent but not obsessive. Battered Gargoyles & The Human Future - Rod Dreher's Diary [23] John Chrysostom, hom. The left hand is extended, with the right hand under the left in support (left handed persons may wish to . 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. Indeed, it can be dangerous for contagion. 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. Upper Volta and Niger, 20 February 1970 The causes are myriad and often interconnected. 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. 1996, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Is the Catholic Church ever going to bring back communion wine? The US might have been little-touched by the scorched earth of world war, and perhaps our feel-good stance astride the planet delayed the decay somewhat. 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 I wholeheartedly agree with your comment on another thread that this ongoing discussion is frivolous and is only causing needless division. With regard to the second, we have many early witnesses including Paul (see 1 Cor 11:27) and the Didache (seechapter 14). 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. I do make the point that reverence, while important, is not the only or most important aspect of Communion. 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. And why so? [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. 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? are on the side of Lucifer. What if our reception made us all more loving of one another, whatever our views on how to receive? That rhetorical flow and its further implicit objections (i.e., take care lest XYZ) *could* be a setup for a generous grant of indults, but given the overall negative tone I dont think it accidental or inconsequential that the prospect of permission is only mentioned in these cases where contrary practice already prevails. There are many devout Catholics who find this practice helpful. For this is what it is to receive unworthily: if one receives at that time when he ought to be doing penance. divine life. A. Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist: At Christ's invitation, extended by the priest acting in Christ's person: "Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb," the members of the community move forward to share in the sacred meal, to receive the Body and Blood of Christ which is the sign and the source of their unity. On November 14, 1996, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the following guidelines on the reception of Communion. 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. Reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament | The Fatima Center If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. Im not aware of that limitation and would like to see proper documentation. 47), and says of the Communion Chant that "its purpose [is] to express the spiritual union of the communicants by means of the unity of their voices, to show gladness of heart, and to bring out more clearly the 'communitarian' character of the procession to receive the Eucharist" (no. How to Properly Receive Communion on the Hands - catholiclegion Abuse. Blasphemy. Communion in the hand? Catholic Insight Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion. There are particles, and there are particles. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. 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.. No wonder so many people there have given up on Christianity. For example, Augustine writes, Someone might say that the Eucharist should not be received daily. If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. When we move in procession, particularly the procession to receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Communion, we are a sign, a symbol of that pilgrim Church "on the way.". Jeffrey T. Wickes FotC 130 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 2015). Nowhere in this article did I see what the CHURCH says about Holy Communion, only the writers opinion. In order to be properly disposed to . 4. Cardinals Thorne (Peru) and Caffarra (Bologna) have banned Communion in the hand, citing reasons of abuse and disrespect. Please take responsibility for the lies, the bile, and the sinful stuff. All rights reserved. Luxembourg, October 15 1969 England and Wales, 6 March 1976 The symptoms are myriadI certainly would assent to much of what you cite. 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. 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 the Reception of Communion | USCCB In fact, however, this hymn is prayer, the corporate thanksgiving prayer of the members of Christ's Body, united with one another. The Eucharist fulfills this call: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? 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. 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. We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. 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. 91). Your email address will not be published. In comparing the indult list provided in this post with the brief history of Fr. Communion on the Tongue Is an Apostolic Tradition We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. The debate was interrupted by lunch. And of course Pope Paul VI was adamant that all the reforms carried out under him were faithful to the Second Vatican Council. 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 []. 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. 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 manner of receiving holy Communion - Catholic News Agency 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. Pope Paul Vl approved this Instruction, confirmed it with his authority, and ordered its publication, setting the day of publication as its effective date. I am a daily witness at the Basilique du Sacr-Cur de Montmartre (Paris).. Our souls ought to be purer than they, more holy, more brilliant. What is Communion? It's Meaning and Symbolism Explained - Bible Study Tools 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 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. They should be grave and objective questions related to good and evil. [5] John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent 28. Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), 2 October 1971 Elizabeth Klein is an Assistant Professor of Theology at the Augustine Institute. 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. In this he shows a great fear, and since the hand that is stretched out holds a higher rank, it is the one that is extended for receiving the body of the King, and the other hand bears and brings its sister hand, while not thinking that it is playing the role of a servant, as it is equal with it in honour, on account of the bread of the King, which is also borne by it. To be a pledge of everlasting life. Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university. 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. Whether to receive Communion in the hand or on the tongue are liturgical disciplines, not dogmas. Early Christian Communion in the Hand | Church Life Journal Communion on the tongue remains the usual and common form of administering Holy Communion. John Paul II and Mother Theresa on Communion in the Hand Yugoslavia, 1971 Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. St. 6. For this alone is the eating referred to by our Lord ( John 6:58 ). Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. Has the Holy Eucharist any other effect? Indonesia, 27 March 1971 [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 Council of Saragossa (380): Excommunicated anyone who dared continue . 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.
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