What is the proper way of receiving Communion in the hand? - AOD I beg to differ. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All rights reserved. It is always helpful to review instructions for receiving Communion. 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. 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. 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 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. 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.
Battered Gargoyles & The Human Future - Rod Dreher's Diary 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. Madagascar 2 March 1970 The debate was interrupted by lunch. Biting, tearing, casting aspersions on the faith of other Catholics: this is a damnable situation in the Church. At the same time he has taken into account the reasons given to support your request and the outcome of the vote taken on this matter. These practices have wide evidence of use and in some ways never died out completely. To increase sanctifying grace and all virtues in our soul. But whatever the case, it is the Pope who decides to authorize it for countries, and it is indisputable that he did so. 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. 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. 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. IMHO no, contrary to what some real traddies may say. 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. Sacrilege is at an all-time high, yet use of the Sacrament of Confession is at an all-time low. 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. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lords body and blood, which they touch with their hand. Maybe this is due to its similarity to practices in most Protestant churches, many of which (Anglicans and Lutherans notwithstanding) fundamentally dont believe in a sacramental Communion substance. 1. The bishop, however, might sometimes deal with the religious priest through his superior in these matters. So then after having carefully hallowed your eyes by the touch of the Holy Body, partake of it; giving heed lest you lose any portion thereof; for whatever you lose, is evidently a loss to you as it were from one of your own members. 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. Chad, 18 September 1969
When receiving Communion in the hand can be sinful - LifeSite My sense is that if theres something demonic in all this it is the Galatians moment in which many Catholics find themselves, especially those on the traditional side. 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. Their attitude of reverence must measure up to what they are doing. 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. Your email address will not be published. The Council was a start, but we have allowed ourselves to get sidetracked in silly and divisive banter. 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. Some may choose to receive the Lord on the tongue while others choose to receive in the hand. 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.
Debunking the myth that today's Communion in the hand - LifeSite Cardinals Thorne (Peru) and Caffarra (Bologna) have banned Communion in the hand, citing reasons of abuse and disrespect. In the United States, the body of Bishops has determined that "[t]he norm is that Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling"and that a bow is the act of reverence made by those receiving (no. 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 []. The following norms must, therefore, be respected. North Africa,October 15 1969 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.
PDF Instructions on Receiving Holy Communion with Proper Reverence For whatever reason, reception on the hand does not appear to convey the same level of reverence in the public consciousness as reception on the tongue. 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. Holt Orders cannot sustain the Church, no matter how much traditionalists preach priests are of the utmost importance. I dont mean how did it come about. England and Wales, 6 March 1976 The way you put it, it doesnt sound obsessive-compulsive but salutary. [4] Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on John 6.1 and 12.1. To lessen our evil inclinations. As with all historical practices, one must examine the context and circumstances which are usually not repeatable.. [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. Scotland, 7 July 1977 Never receive Holy Communion in the hand when your hands are impeded; e.g., carrying a cane or some other walking-assistance device, carrying a child in your arms, carrying a purse, have a tissue or handkerchief in your hand, have a cast on your hand, etc. So the authors claim that he is exactly Vatican II is doubtful. [25] Origen of Alexandria, homily in Ex.
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Holy Communion - New Advent We should weigh very well the matters in which we appeal to conscience.
The Proper Way to Receive Holy Communion - Shrub Oak, NY The author seems to think that liturgical reforms should consist of only what an ecumenical council prescribed. 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. 3. This catechesis must succeed in excluding any suggestion that in the mind of the Church there is a lessening of faith in the eucharistic presence and in excluding as well any danger or hint of danger of profaning the Eucharist. Since practices vary from one church to another, we hope these guidelines help you feel more at home. The left hand is extended, with the right hand under the left in support (left handed persons may wish to . This practice has been requested by individual episcopal conferences and has received approval from the Apostolic See. If our reader had said that he believed that Communion in the hand was more prone to dangers of accidents and profanation, I would accept the argument. This is the quote that is always used: " make your left hand a throne for the right, as for that which is to receive a King. Their decisions should be sent to Rome to receive the necessary confirmation, []. The document does not have numbered paragraphs to cite, but youll find it a few paragraphs after the tabulation of votes collected from bishops. The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? It is therefore difficult in the context of this present letter not to mention the sad phenomena previously referred to. It is standard procedure so I wonder what the basis of this accusation is. To continue the sacrifice of the Cross in His Church. I honestly get sick of it too. Since the question involves human attitudes, this mode of communion is bound up with the perceptiveness and preparation of the one receiving. We have no nets to cast deeply. The legitimacy of Communion in the hand is not in question. Our worship ought to create common unity under Christ, not destroy it. R. E. Heine FotC 21 (Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 1982). If Your Hand/Hands are Impeded . Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling. 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. United States, 17 June 1977 Basil the Great, 330-379 stated, "The right to receive Holy Communion in the hand is permitted only in times of persecution." This statement may very well have been made in response to St. Cyril of Jerusalem in 348. Featured Image: Rossano Gospels, Last Supper, 6th c.; Source: Wikimedia Commons, PD-Old-100.
Hence any baptized Catholic who is not prevented by law must be admitted to Holy Communion. Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university. In defending his push to give Communion to grave sinners, McElroy reiterated his belief that conscience has the "privileged place" over doctrine in decision-making and suggested that it can . 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. Particularly in regard to this way of receiving communion, experience suggests certain matters requiring careful attention. If, however, Communion is given under both kinds, the rite prescribed in nos. Paraguay, 27 September 1971 From the point of view of liturgical law, the relevant documents are the following.
How to Take Communion in the Catholic Church: 10 Steps - wikiHow 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. 6. Uruguay,October 15 1969 Communion on the tongue remains the usual and common form of administering Holy Communion. I am from India. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. Yugoslavia, 1971
Cdl. McElroy doubles down on heresy, pushes Communion for 'sexually We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. The rationale for Communion on the hands being an ancient practice is from St. Cyril of Jerusalem. And why so? As seen above, the U.S. bishops were not among the first to permit Communion in the hand. Please remember that there is no "right" way to receive. Obviously, for better or worse, the NLM has an agenda. The new manner of giving communion must not be imposed in a way that would exclude the traditional practice. 91). [2] Cyprian, On the Good of Patience 14, On the Lapsed 16 and 26,and Letter 55.9. 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. Will you not then much more carefully keep watch, that not a crumb fall from youSt. . 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. 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. 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.