7 rules for receiving 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. At the same time, it is not justified to claim that Communion in the hand is necessarily less reverent or inevitably leads to abuses. 5. 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. New Zealand, 24 April 1974 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. Later that year approval was given to Luxembourg, Scandinavia (Scandia), North Africa, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Monaco (see Notitiae v. 7 (1970), no. [24] Trans. We are the Body of Christ, moving forward to receive the Christ who makes us one with himself and with one another. 91). Receiving Communion - Prayer & Spiritual Life - Greek Orthodox Yugoslavia, 1971 Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. 13.3, trans. Their attitude of reverence must measure up to what they are doing. What is Communion? It's Meaning and Symbolism Explained - Bible Study Tools 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. The Council of Saragossa, 380, excommunicated anyone who dared continue to receive Holy Communion in the hand. Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), 2 October 1971 He can freely share with the faithful his reasons for preferring to adhere to the traditional practice and encourage the faithful to continue doing so. 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. If one is right handed the left hand should rest upon the right. ADOM :: Communion: in the hand or the tongue [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. Its just BREAD!!. So Indian Bishop conference have not got any Indult for communion in hand? 3. 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. I am a daily witness at the Basilique du Sacr-Cur de Montmartre (Paris).. 5.21, trans. Catechesis has been virtually non-existent or flat-out heretical for the last 50 years. 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. And of course Pope Paul VI was adamant that all the reforms carried out under him were faithful to the Second Vatican Council. The liturgical renewal of St. Pius X which promoted the frequent reception of Communion were still quite young. [10] See John Damascene, On the Orthodox Faith, 4.13. 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. Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university. Take a step or two to the side to make way for the next communicant, then receive our Lord. 6. In order to be properly disposed to . The new manner of giving communion must not be imposed in a way that would exclude the traditional practice. The two ways of receiving communion can without question take place during the same liturgical service. 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. A quick example will be found . Follow-up: Objecting to Communion in the Hand (10-16-2018), Pursuant to my reflections on Communion in the hand (October 2), a reader from France claimed that It is totally justified to claim that Communion in the hand is necessarily less reverent or inevitably leads to abuses. What if our reception made us all more loving of one another, whatever our views on how to receive? [8] John Chrysostom, Homilies on Ephesians, Baptismal Instruction 12.1516, On the Incomprehensible Nature of God 6.36, and On the Priesthood 3.4. 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. 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. On the one hand, I think this evidence precludes describing communion in the hand as intrinsically irreverent. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable. Gross Alexander NPNF 13, ed. The condition is the complete avoidance of any cause for the faithful to be shocked and any danger of irreverence toward the Eucharist. Most often when speaking of reverence, however, the Fathers emphasize two main things: 1) that every precaution should be taken lest the Eucharist fall to the ground and 2) that communicants should be from serious sin and quarrels with other Christians. Bishops Cannot Mandate Communion on the Hand or Forbid Communion on the Australia, 26 September 1975 Zambia, 11 March 1974 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]. To lessen our evil inclinations. The manner of receiving holy Communion - Catholic News Agency They would find many more areas we all need to work on than just their main focus. What's at Stake in the Debates Swirling Around Eucharistic Coherence. 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. Think of what you receive in your hand and keep it clean of all greed and theft. There is so much to Communion. Library : Holy Communion in the Hand? | Catholic Culture Phillip Schaff (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1889). This norm is supported by an Instruction by the Holy See regarding the Eucharist: "In distributing Holy Communion it is to be remembered that 'sacred ministers may not deny the sacraments to those who seek them in a reasonable manner, are rightly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them'(Code of Canon Law, can. I would like to remind people to indicate clearly how they wish to receive. As soon as the communicant receives the host, he or she consumes the whole of it. The Controversy of Communion in the Hand Catholic Insight Jeffrey T. Wickes FotC 130 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 2015). Who holds the wind in the palm of his hand? The left hand is extended, with the right hand under the left in support (left handed persons may wish to . 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 . Since practices vary from one church to another, we hope these guidelines help you feel more at home. 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. The fire of mercy has become for us a living sacrifice Phillip Schaff and Henry Wace in NPNF Second Series, 14 (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1900). It is also difficult to ensure that the person who receives Communion effectively consumes the host. From this brief historical survey, however, we know that this need not be the case, and we can look to the Fathers for a pious example as we seek to foster reverence towards the Eucharist in the liturgy today. Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. It is therefore difficult in the context of this present letter not to mention the sad phenomena previously referred to. Confess it and move on. A: The answer to this question is somewhat complex. 1396: In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. 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. 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. 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 . 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. Communion in the hand is allowed in the United States by decision of the American Bishops. 161. Whether to receive Communion in the hand or on the tongue are liturgical disciplines, not dogmas. [11] Council of Constantinople in Trullo, canon 101. 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. It is standard procedure so I wonder what the basis of this accusation is. So whats missing? 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. 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. They should be grave and objective questions related to good and evil. From the point of view of liturgical law, the relevant documents are the following. Cyril of Jerusalem [c. 313-386], Catechetical Lectures, 23:21-22) Several more but no room here. St. 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. Receiving the Host in the Hand | Franciscan Media They partake not of Him that is in them, they perceive Him not. These guidelines replace the guidelines approved by the Administrative Committee of the NCCB in November 1986. St. But is the impression they give generally correct? 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. Fire consumed the offering Upper Volta and Niger, 20 February 1970 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. Why did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist? 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. Jesus wants to use our hands, which have now become His hands, to help those in need. [23], The great and divine Apostle Paul with loud voice calls man created in the image of God, the body and temple of Christ. 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. To signify, seal, and apply to believers all the benefits of the new covenant. 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. 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. Even if we presume the authenticity of the text we still do not know how long the practice lasted, whether leavened or unleavened bread was used and whether the practice was exclusive to the Church of Jerusalem. The faithful should consume the host before returning to their place; the ministers part will be brought out by use of the usual formulary, The body of Christ, to which the communicant replies: Amen. 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. 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. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. But there is more to the story. 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. Devotion and reverence toward the Eucharist in the case of communion in the hand. How to Properly Receive Communion on the Hands - catholiclegion God has come to live in us. II], Instruction on the Manner of Distributing Holy Communion All of us are only grasping a hint of it. 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. Communion on the tongue is recommended and considered the most consonant way to receive the Eucharist, while Communion on the hand is permitted, provided that certain precautions are observed, such as checking to see if any fragments of the Host remain on the palm of the hand. 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. Featured Image: Rossano Gospels, Last Supper, 6th c.; Source: Wikimedia Commons, PD-Old-100. Per The Baltimore Catechism: 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 bishop, however, might sometimes deal with the religious priest through his superior in these matters. Do we accept an experience of the Real Presence only when the externals and the lingo of 1950 are seen and heard? So the authors claim that he is exactly Vatican II is doubtful. A perception such as this is a dreadfully inaccurate and impoverished understanding of what is a significant religious action. As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. The most ancient practice of distributing Holy Communion was, with all probability, to give Communion to the faithful in the palm of the hand. Part I - Holy Communion: The Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus - USCCB To continue the sacrifice of the Cross in His Church. 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. Whatever procedure is adopted, care must be taken not to allow particles of the eucharistic bread to fall or be scattered. If Your Hand/Hands are Impeded . 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. My overarching point in all this (as someone who receives comfortably in both manners) is that I dont think common concerns with reception in the hand have been treated with adequate seriousness by many its defenders. Scotland, 7 July 1977 . 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. I make no judgment about who is guilty of this- I dont know most of the people by far and am in no position to judge. 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. John Paul II and Mother Theresa on Communion in the Hand 6, trans. The way you put it, it doesnt sound obsessive-compulsive but salutary. Since Christ is really, substantially, sacramentally present but not physically, being OC over crumbs is not devotion. 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). Your email address will not be published. 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. Then he saw that it was futile. Indeed, it can be dangerous for contagion. [17] See Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 7.9.4. 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. Papua and New Guinea, 28 April 1976 The traditional and preferred method is the reception of the Host on the tongue: Step forward and kneel at the Communion rail or station (if you stand, make a sign of reverencesuch as a bow or genuflection or Sign of the Crossbefore receiving the Host and take care not to disrupt the Communion line). 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.

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