The Canadian bishops wrote a pastoral letter supposedly. From that point on, Communion in the hand received a distinctly anti-Catholic significance. This phrase gives the impression that there could be room for Catholics to legitimately reject Humanae Vitae. Each and every priest in the Roman Rite had to follow them with unyielding precision. The note was more of a thanks to Ken. It was a recognizably anti-Catholic practice rooted in disbelief in the real Presence of Christ and the priesthood. The Faithful are told that it is an optional practice, and if they dont like it, they can receive it on the tongue. The most ancient practice of distributing Holy Communion was, with all probability, to give Communion to the faithful in the palm of the hand. In The Theology of Kneeling, an excerpt from his book The Spirit of the Liturgy (2000), Cardinal Ratzinger highlights this truth: the bodily gesture itself is the bearer of the spiritual meaning when someone tries to take worship back into the purely spiritual realm and refuses to give it embodied form, the act of worship evaporates. Later, as Pope Benedict XVI, in continuity with St. John Paul II, he gave Communion to the faithful on the tongue while they knelt. With bodily signs we show interior beliefs. Some of the rubrics in the Old Latin Mass are as follows: These are only some of the rubrics incorporated into the Old Mass. , if the priests opposition to Communion in the hand should be fierce and firm, their opposition to Extraordinary Ministers should be even more adamant. since all of us share the one bread" (1 Corinthians 10:16-17 CSB). They agreed that done properly the reception of Holy Communion on the tongue or in the hand pose a more or less equal risk. do not mention that permission was only to be a. where it had already been established by 1969. In summary, the letters (which can be found in Michael Davies, ) stated that Rome has received many complaints of abuses regarding Extraordinary Ministers. After Vatican II, some ecumenically-minded priests in Holland started giving Communion in the hand, in a monkey-see, monkey-do imitation of Protestant practice. But now, lay people administering the Blessed Sacrament is an ordinary sight in the average Novus Ordo parish church, and most Catholics think nothing of it proving that men can become desensitized to desecration. It also shows both side of the issue at hand. And where they were, they were for keeps! On September 21, 1987, a letter was sent from the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation of the Sacraments through the proper channels to a number of Episcopal Conferences, including the American Bishops, on the subject of Extraordinary Ministers. (Matthew 26:26-29 CSB). Then having partaken of the Body of Christ, approach also the cup of His blood; not extending your hands, but bending low and saying in the way of worship and reverence, Amen, be you sanctified by partaking, also of the blood of Christ. Catechetical Lecture 5. Now, this was the age of compromise, and the document contained the seed of its own destruction, because the Instruction went on to say that where the abuse had already become firmly established, it could be legalized by a two-thirds majority in a secret ballot of the national bishops conference (providing the Holy See confirmed their decision). What's the cheapest way to buy out a sibling's share of our parents house if I have no cash and want to pay less than the appraised value? The tragedy of it all is, if it is optional for the laity, in practice it is not optional for the clergy. This article was printed in The Fatima Crusader, Issue 74 (Summer 2003) and in Catholic Family News (September 1995 Issue). In other words, the real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist is just a Papist superstition, and that the bread is just bread and anybody can handle it. But even taking this document at face value, it is difficult to envisage circumstances that would justify the use of Extraordinary Ministers, of mission lands. It had not yet started in the United States. From the moment that the words of consecration over the Sacred Host are uttered by the priest, he keeps his forefinger and thumb together, and whether he elevates the chalice, turns the pages of the Missal or opens the tabernacle, his thumb and forefinger touch nothing but the Sacred Host. Now, when it comes to showing reverence, is it possible for these rubrics to be improved upon? Although a layman, he was also an acolyte. which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. They were not just silly scruples, but showed the Church believed with certainty that at Mass, the bread and wine truly become the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, and that no pains were too great to make sure that Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament was treated with all the reverence and homage that His Majesty deserves. 13). On January 29, 1973, an Instruction, called. With your hand hollowed, receive the Body of Christ and answer 'Amen'. Naturally, liberal clergy in other countries (including ours) concluded that if this rebellion could be legalized in Holland, it could be legalized anywhere. This liturgical law clarifies the Church's discipline regarding the reception of Holy Communion. . Video - Message from Our Lord Jesus Christ to Latin-American Mystic Lorena - Holy Communion in the Hand - February 16, 2022 - MaryRefugeOfSouls. 2023.04.30 8:30 Worship at Faith: Easter 4A - Facebook The practice of receiving Holy Communion in the hand first began to spread in Catholic circles during the early 1960s, primarily in Holland. Keywords: Catholic, Communion, hand, tongue. They conducted the tedious Let us pray to the Lord Lord hear our prayer Prayers of the Faithful, and even greeted us over the microphone before Mass wishing us good morning, telling us what hymns well be singing and what Eucharistic Prayer Father fancies today. This is exactly what happened, and this is why we have Communion in the hand today. What happened to the Catholic Knights Hospitaller? REMINDER: This weekend is FIRST FRIDAY & FIRST SATURDAY, John Vennari was a writer, researcher, catechist, and editor (for more than 20 years) of the monthly journal, Andrew Cesanek earned a B.S. While communion on the hand is forbidden in the Extraordinary Form of the Mass and is given while kneeling only, unless prohibited due to physical illness. It is always helpful to review instructions for receiving Communion. is a traditional Dominican priest. Communion in the hand was introduced under a false ecumenism, allowed to grow due to weakness in authority, approved through compromise and a false sense of toleration, and has led to profound irreverence and indifference toward the Blessed Sacrament as the commonplace liturgical abuse and the disgrace of our age. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Todays Eucharistic Ministers actually operate in defiance of existing Vatican norms. It seems like they came from nowhere. It was the indignation of large numbers of the Faithful which prompted Pope Paul VI to take some action. that day when I drink it new with you in my Fathers kingdom." When the number of the Faithful requesting Holy Communion is such that the celebration of the Mass or the distribution of the Eucharist outside Mass would be unduly prolonged. The terms lay minister and Eucharistic minister have been used rather loosely up until this point, because this is the terminology often found in parish bulletins. The debate over Communion in the hand or on the tongue has nonetheless occurred throughout Church history. Given the living tradition of the Church, which highlights the most ancient practice of receiving Holy Communion in the hand, the Archbishop has the authority to instruct the faithful to receive Holy Communion in the hand during this time of Pandemic, with no exceptions. For whoever eats and drinks without Similarly, the Synod of Rouen (AD 650) decreed: "Do not put the Eucharist in the hands of any layman or laywoman . So, if words mean anything, as Michael Davies pointed out, an extraordinary minister should be an extraordinary sight. Adding EV Charger (100A) in secondary panel (100A) fed off main (200A). Christianity Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for committed Christians, experts in Christianity and those interested in learning more. the sea, and everything in them"" (Acts 14:11-15 CSB), "What then is Apollos? Communion on the tongue displays a greater degree of reverence, and it is safer because it is less likely to result in the host, or a particle of the host falling to the floor. Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, But ask they did. Communion on the hand may seem less reverent than communion on the tongue, especially to the more traditionally minded Catholics; it is not a sacrilege. Second, because the priest is the appointed intermediary between God and the people, hence as it belongs to him to offer the peoples gifts to God, so it belongs to him to deliver the consecrated gifts to the people. The term taken at face value was used because, as some astute readers will have already noticed, the document just quoted from was loosely worded. How often have we heard even our Church leaders lament that we have lost the sense of the sacred. This is one of the most astounding statements a Churchman can utter as if it were some sort of mystery. to the disciples, and said, Take and eat it; this is my body. Then Communion on the tongue safer than Communion in the hand: Polish Archbishop tells bishops they'll 'end up in hell' for - LifeSite Undoubtedly, there will be parishes and ministers who will distribute Communion on the tongue regardless. The priest, a man who had been called by God and who had been specifically trained in the study and dispensing of the sacred mysteries had to step aside, either willingly or reluctantly, to allow unqualified, out-of-place, part-time dabblers to trespass and profane His sacred domain of sanctuary and altar. But lay-readers within the New Mass was not the only necessary step. 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. They figured that if they ignored. The Councils of Saragossa (AD 380) and Toledo (fifth to seventh centuries) threatened excommunication to anyone who continued receiving holy Communion by hand. You can be sure there were many Catholics willing to become part of this lay-elite who distribute Holy Communion, but there were also Catholics whose good Catholic sense was initially opposed to this practice, but who eventually allowed themselves to be talked into it by persuasive clergymen. To conclude, communion in tongue is the proper reverence to God and communion in hand must only practice in certain extra ordinary circumstances. A. Catholic renewal would either leave these gestures of reverence intact, or enhance them. For those not receiving Holy Communion. He polled the bishops of the world on this issue, and they voted overwhelmingly to retain the traditional practice of receiving Holy Communion only on the tongue. This document does not grant some revolutionary indult for any and every parish to permit lay-people to administer Communion; it authorizes the use of extraordinary ministers in cases of genuine necessity , which are listed as: When there is no priest, deacon or acolyte. The real sacrilege here would be in receiving Our Lord while in the state of mortal sin! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. On September 21, 1987, a letter was sent from the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation of the Sacraments through the proper channels to a number of Episcopal Conferences, including the American Bishops, on the subject of Extraordinary Ministers. But what does defile a person and cause him to come under the judgement of God is eating and drinking without recognizing the body of Christ. Our fathers told us this because it was the truth. Historically, Communion on the tongue is greatly preferred and is has been the usual method thoughout most of history. It is not permitted that the faithful should themselves pick up the consecrated bread and the sacred chalice, still less that they should hand them from one to another. Our fathers have told us that the Holy Eucharist is truly the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. But I tell This phrase gives the impression that there could be room for Catholics to legitimately reject, So, whether they realized it or not, the bishops sabotaged their own pastoral letter, by giving a simultaneous red light and green light to rejection of the Papal Encyclical. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, Copyright 2022 Catholic Online. The Protestant Minister, however, is just an ordinary man who leads the hymns, reads the lessons and gives sermons to stir up the convictions of the believers. The ecumenical spirit became the primary formative principle in the whole range of the new liturgical forms established since the Council. I myself Gather with others in your household and begin a time of prayer with the Sign of the Cross. Communion in the Hand? Pt II - The Now Word In the Old Mass, Catholics receive communion by kneeling down and receive the Holy Eucharist in tongue. Three Videos - Latin American Catholic Priest has Vision during Holy Mass of Jesus Christ and in Tears Cries, "No more Holy Communion in the hand!" It depends on who interprets it. robes when they heard this and rushed into the crowd, shouting, I planted, It may be adapted for personal and family use. Shortly after Vatican II, due to the escalating abuses . There are some that claim that it was practiced up until the 6th Century and even cite a passage of St. Cyril to substantiate this assertion. N.S. church delivers Christmas communion to parishioners' homes - CBC Out of reverence towards this sacrament [the Holy Eucharist], nothing touches it, but what is consecrated; hence the corporal and the chalice are consecrated, and likewise the priest's hands, for touching this sacrament. Saint of the Day for Monday, May 1st, 2023. Worship Service April 30, 2023- Praise and Worship Service - Facebook The motivation for this practice is two-fold: a) first, to avoid the dropping of Eucharistic particles [today, consecrated Hosts are regularly stolen for use in satanic Masses and other blasphemous practices even sold on eBay! In summary, the letters (which can be found in Michael Davies Privilege of the Ordained) stated that Rome has received many complaints of abuses regarding Extraordinary Ministers. Where does the version of Hamapil that is different from the Gemara come from? worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, Communion received on the tongue and while kneeling - Vatican.va were properly judging ourselves, we would not be judged, but when we (1 Corinthians 11:27-32 CSB). Church volunteers have delivered . But make your left hand as if a throne for the right, and hollowing your palm receive the body of Christ saying after it, Amen. Though the entire essay will not be treated here, for the purpose of the subject at hand, it is necessary to point out the central aspect of it: the old paganism had deep respect for tradition, and the new post-Christian paganism has a revolutionary contempt for tradition. Can or should a consecrated Host be adored by way of a live Eucharistic televised broadcast? But if the bishops seemed indifferent to this scandal, the laity were outraged. This reverence shows that it is not a sharing in ordinary bread and wine that is involved, but in the Body and Blood of the Lord.. If it were a sacrilege, that indult would not have been accorded by Rome. It had not yet started in the United States. But the bishops, rather than do their duty and condemn the abuse, tolerated it. Father Edward Schillebeeckx, an influential liberal theologian at Vatican II, admitted that placing deliberate ambiguity in the Council documents was a key strategy of the progressives. BBC - Religions - Christianity: Eucharist The biggest ploy used by modern clergy was to resort to flattery to approach good Catholic men and women saying, Youre a good parish member, an exemplary Christian, a good father or mother, so we want to bestow upon you the honor of being a Eucharistic minister.. Todays Eucharistic Ministers actually operate in defiance of, Though there is no hard proof that the loose wording of, was done on purpose, there is ample proof that the ambiguity in the Vatican II documents was deliberate. But after all this, Memoriale Domini then added a surprising disclaimer, leaving an avenue open to those bishops currently in disobedience over this issue. of Christ? According to tradition and teaching, the priest is the only one allowed to hold the body of Christ because his hands were consecrated. Communion on the tongue certainly dates back to the earliest centuries of Church history, and possibly back to the time of the Apostles. reverence for the Blessed Sacrament is put into practice of paramount importance. Priests, bishop reveal rashness in banning Communion on - LifeSite First of all, it is not an act of disloyalty or disobedience to question the wisdom of the document in the first place, particularly when this permission is a revolution against all the pre-Vatican II rubrics that existed for centuries rubrics that existed for reasons of reverence, to safeguard against desecration and that were a matter of Catholic common sense. 3, Rep. Obj. But today, theres nothing extraordinary about extraordinary ministers. Now, does this mean 5 minutes or 45 minutes unduly prolonged? In his 1931 essay on The New Paganism, the great Catholic historian Hilaire Belloc warned of the post-Christian Paganism that was to come. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. condemned with the world." The primary driver of concern is COVID. 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. Are there parishes that celebrates Novus Ordo mass in Latin? If a temporary change in custom can prevent the spread of illness and even the danger of death, then it should be strongly considered as a reasonable measure. The mindless behavior of this superficially trained laity brings to the sanctuary a pomposity that is both embarrassing and saddening to watch., Lay people giving out Holy Communion during Mass was rightly considered an unthinkable act of sacrilege and irreverence only 35 years ago, and for centuries preceding. The priests hands are washed over the chalice after Communion time with water and wine which is reverently consumed, to insure that the slightest Particle is not susceptible to desecration. What is Paul? Receiving communion on the hand is part of 'diabolical attack' on the "Therefore whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. Controversy surrounds the claim that Communion in the hand was practiced in the early Church. This is exactly what happened, and this is why we have Communion in the hand today. He preferred death at the hands of a mob rather than deliver to them the Blessed Sacrament which he was carrying. The sense of the sacred is found wherever safeguarding the reverence for the Blessed Sacrament is put into practice of paramount importance. It is also worth noting that there was no leaving the Sacred Host upon the altar to walk up and down the aisles (especially before his fingers have been purified), shaking peoples hands in an awkward display of forced friendliness. 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.". "Is it a sacrilege to take communion in hand?" 91). Thanks for this great effort you put through. Memoriale Domini - Pope Paul VI (1963-1978), To touch the sacred species and to distribute them with their own hands is a privilege of the ordained. The Reception of Holy Communion in the United States So what have they done? Lycaonian language, The gods have come down to us in human form! Receiving Holy Communion | EWTN Can this manner of receiving Communion be required of the faithful who prefer to receive Christ on the tongue? For a country to apply for the indult, the following was necessary: 1) Communion in the hand had to already be presently in that country; 2) the bishops of that country had to have two-thirds majority vote in favor of Communion in the hand; 3) Communion in the hand should not be imposed in a way that would exclude the traditional manner; 4) the