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. [26] Augustine, Letter 54.3.4, trans. Your fire, O, Our Lord we have eaten in your offering Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling - Vatican.va Theres no simple solution to this issue. Elizabeth Klein is an Assistant Professor of Theology at the Augustine Institute. So when received unworthily, it is not only useless, but it is harmful to oneself (a lifestyle of sin continues), our neighbors (increase of violence, arson, looting, murders), and society in general (take a look at the condition of our country), and is extremely offensive to God (hence the wide-spread suffering). When permitted, the choice as to the form of reception falls upon the communicant and not upon the priest. The cultural backing. 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. 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. Timothy O'Malley, Copyright 2023 Paul VI had a measure of it in 1974, and we hav emostly missed the wisdom of Evangelii Nuntiandi. 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. The option must not turn out to be the occasion for regarding it as ordinary bread or as just another religious article., I feel this is a underrated point in recent discussions on the reception of Holy Communion, both here on PT and elsewhere. It must be presumed that a priest has sufficient formation in moral principles so as to exclude an erroneous conscience in such 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. Confess it and move on. For the first few centuries of the Church, receiving Communion in the hand was a common practice. 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. From these documents, we can deduce the following points. Communion in the hand vs. Communion on the tongue | Crux Is the Catholic Church ever going to bring back communion wine? 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. How to Properly Receive Communion on the Hands - catholiclegion When receiving in the hand, the communicant should be guided by the words of St. Cyril of Jerusalem . So whats missing? I suspect that Christ can cope with particles that get dropped but the care we show, or the lack of care, is what counts. 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. [25] Origen of Alexandria, homily in Ex. Or is there more context that is missing? (or: Which Heresy Will You Give Up for Lent? 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. 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). By this symbolic action, their denial would be clear to all. The infamous coffee cup masses Dorothy Day describes in her book may have had good intentions behind them, but the way they appeared to trivialize the Holy Sacrifice of the mass lent no dignity to the then new Pauline mass. But back in the West, where most of us at PT are from, the Church is struggling. ), Pray Tell: An open forum on faith in South Texas. Aaron, this describes what the countries are to do where Communion in the hand was being practiced. But we doyes, verily. It is not solely the result of some weird medieval form of reverence. Phillip Schaff and Henry Wace in NPNF Second Series, 14 (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1900). 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. 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. 160). My country is not on this list but holy communion is the norm. In 1980 St. John Paul II wrote in the apostolic letterDominicae Cenae: In some countries, the practice of receiving Communion in the hand has been introduced. This reply aged like Milk (currently January 2022). Our souls ought to be purer than they, more holy, more brilliant. A quick example will be found . To be a pledge of everlasting life. After stipulating the historical practice of Communion in the hand, Memoriale Domini: defends the development of discipline that led to Communion on the tongue Is it okay to recieve Communion in the hand? - Catholic Online 6. Sure, Ill go along with that. 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. A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all. Guidelines for the Reception of Communion | USCCB Pakistan, 29 October 1976 Click herefor a handout that can be placed in your bulletin for your parishioner. A Pastoral Guide to Receiving Communion - Crisis Magazine There is so much to Communion. 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). Do we accept an experience of the Real Presence only when the externals and the lingo of 1950 are seen and heard? No wonder so many people there have given up on Christianity. 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. 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. I am a daily witness at the Basilique du Sacr-Cur de Montmartre (Paris).. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. 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. Ireland, 4 September 1976 If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. 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. Maybe this is part of a grand conspiracy by . This is precisely why there are occasions when pastoral prudence can lead to suspend the permission. It is advisable, therefore, that the rite be introduced gradually and in the beginning within small, better-prepared groups and in favorable settings. 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. As a scholar of the early Church, I was surprised to learn that the practice of communion in the hand is such a hotly debated topic; it came to my attention during the early days of the pandemic, when many dioceses required communicants to receive in this way. http://www.kathpedia.com/index.php?title=Handkommunion. Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. Care must also be taken that the communicants have clean hands and that their comportment is becoming and in keeping with the practices of the different peoples. The Council of Saragossa (380): Excommunicated anyone who dared continue . It is therefore difficult in the context of this present letter not to mention the sad phenomena previously referred to. Why? Malaysia and Singapore, 3 October 1977, * * * * *. In the context of the reception of Communion, this means a cognizance of both Church history and contemporary cultural nuances. Many pathogens are transmitted through the hands. To commemorate the death of Christ: "This do in remembrance of me." 2. Cardinals Thorne (Peru) and Caffarra (Bologna) have banned Communion in the hand, citing reasons of abuse and disrespect. Other way round, it was in the hand and changed to the tongue circa 900 in the west. When one receives from the chalice, the same proclamation is made by the person distributing Communion and the Communicant again responds, "Amen." As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable.. We have no nets to cast deeply. Councils establish principles (and rarely go into specific points) and then leave it to a commission to carry out the detailed work after the Council. Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. 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. Im skeptical of the claim that collecting absentee ballots for bishops conference votes is unlawful. In fact, however, this hymn is prayer, the corporate thanksgiving prayer of the members of Christ's Body, united with one another. Receiving the host in one's hand has been an option in the United States since the bishops authorized this in May 1977 and the Holy See confirmed it. 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. But one should not by his own judgment abstain from or return to communion, as he pleases. COVID-19 Additional Questions for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 Finance FAQ for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 Personnel FAQ for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 Remote Learning FAQ for Catholic Schools, COVID-19 International Students FAQ for Catholic Schools, Forming a New Prayer and Intercessory Team at Your Parish, Resources for Existing Intercessory Prayer Teams, Mooney Real Estate Holding Company and Parish Incorporations, Stewards for Tomorrow/Archdiocese of Detroit Endowment Foundation. I mean WHAT SPECIFIC REASONS were given for requesting it in the first place? Instruction on the Manner of Distributing Holy Communion As seen above, the U.S. bishops were not among the first to permit Communion in the hand. The Reception of Holy Communion at Mass | USCCB 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. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 3. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? 5.21, trans. Pray Tell here documents two statements of the Congregation for Divine Worship issued under Pope Paul VI. are on the side of Lucifer. It preserves us from mortal sin by exciting us to greater fervor and strengthening us against temptation. Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university. The Netherlands, 18 September 1969 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 the part of both the minister and the recipient, whenever the host is placed in the hand of a communicant there must be careful concern and caution, especially about particles that might fall from the hosts. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. At the same time, it is not justified to claim that Communion in the hand is necessarily less reverent or inevitably leads to abuses. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. Communion on Tongue vs. Hand? The Most Important Thing to Know: Hold If, however, Communion is given under both kinds, the rite prescribed in nos. What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? Personally, I think that when a priest with the care of souls holds the view that Communion on the tongue is preferable to the alternative practice, then the best thing he can do is inform the faithful of the bishops permission. 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. Fr. We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. The guidelines, which are to be included in missalettes and other participation aids published in the United States, seek to remind all those who may attend Catholic liturgies of the present discipline of the Church with regard to the sharing of Eucharistic Communion. 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. Djibouti, 6 March 1970 [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). They are also to be instructed not to omit after communion the sincere and appropriate thanksgiving that is in keeping with their individual capacities, state, and occupation. 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. 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 following norms must therefore be respected. 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). 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. 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. 3. 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. It is not clear as to how widespread it was or if it was a regular practice. United States, 17 June 1977 With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer 'Amen'. Communion in the hand is legitimate only where permitted, and it remains in the realm of a permission. 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. O Solomon, the thing which the Lord of your father God has come to live in us. A. The divine coal is a common image of the Eucharist in Syrian theology. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable. 3. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. 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 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. Henry Percival and ed. On this point, I will leave you with a beautiful exhortation from the Golden Tongue: Think of what you receive in your hand and never lift it to strike another and never disgrace with the sin of assault the hand that has been honored with so great a gift. When the priest gives it he says: The body of Christ. He teaches you by this word not to look at that which is visible, but to picture in your mind the nature of this oblation, which, by the coming of the Holy Spirit, is the body of Christ. The [Seraph] did not hold it, and [Isaiah] did not eat it 91). Communion in the hand was officially permitted in the United States in 1977, following an indult that is, special permission given by the Congregation for Divine Sacraments in 1969. It is still the practice of millions of committed Latin-rite Catholics all over the world and of many Eastern Churches who administer the Eucharist under both species on the tongue. So Indian Bishop conference have not got any Indult for communion in hand? 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. The Communion Procession is an action of the Body of Christ. The communicant may choose whether to receive the Body of Christ in the hand or on the tongue. (I dont direct this at you, I mean it to everyone on all sides.). In the early Church, the faithful stood when receiving into their hands the consecrated particle can hardly be questioned. St. Dionysius of Alexandria [d. 265], writing to one of the popes of his time, speaks emphatically of one who has stood by the table and has extended his hand to receive the Holy Food (Eusebius [263-339], Hist. 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? First, Chrysostom in one of his Homilies on Ephesians: What, do you not see the holy vessels so thoroughly cleansed all over, so resplendent? They partake not of Him that is in them, they perceive Him not. awr. 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. can. Early Christian Communion in the Hand | Church Life Journal 161. The Eucharist may not be received while a person has mortal sin in their soul. (Catholic Encyclopedia: Genuflexion) The Council of Saragossa, 380, excommunicated anyone who dared continue to receive Holy Communion in the hand. Copyright PrayTellBlog.com 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. 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.