Monday 14 May 2012

Cardinal Arinze on the Reception of Holy Communion

I was just alerted to this video on YouTube in which Cardinal Arinze makes clear that reception of Holy Communion kneeling (and on the tongue) is the preferred (because "traditional") way of receiving Holy Communion. Part of the problem in this debate seems to be that many Catholics do not know how to read Vatican documents (priests too, apparently!). Either they give too much weight (one way or another) to things which, in the end, allow freedom or they fail to understand that some freedoms are strictly conditional. There is no ban on Communion in the hand, but this is allowed only on the understanding that those who wish to receive kneeling or on the tongue must be respected and allowed to do so because, as far as the Congregation for the Liturgy is concerned, that is the "preferred" way. If a Bishops' Conference has been allowed the choice of Communion standing (and in the hand) to criticise those who avail themselves of this is unjust and therefore sinful, BUT, this does not imply that both forms are equally good. I know this is a difficult point, but it is necessary to be clear on these things. Not only that, but as the Cardinal explains, those who choose to receive standing should make an act of reverence before receiving. Kneeling is itself taken as a sign of reverence. In the west, standing does not have that significance, therefore we are invited to make a profound bow or, perhaps a genuflection. As the Cardinal explains here, such acts should not constitute an nuisance to others.

6 comments:

  1. I always bow my head after the priest holds the host up and says "Body of Christ." I would prefer to kneel but it would look as if I were drawing attention to myself and i am never sure how the priest will react/respond.

    I don't blame the laity for this change in tradition, it must come from the Bishops I think. I am sure most ordinary Catholics ( such as myself and those I meet at Mass)would soon get used to kneeling again.

    Someone should write to the Bishops. The Pope maybe?

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  2. I'm of the same view as Shadowlands above and agree. Bring back kneeling and I'll kneel.

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  3. I read somewhere that it was said to be unhygienic to take the host direct on the tongue but this does not follow when you do it the other way and you have shaken hands with several people an then take the host by hand, as a former Anglican I find it difficult to take the host directly on the tongue, I do prefer taking itin the hand. If you attend Anglican mass, which I did recently at CR during a lecture, I crossed my arms and did not receive at all, because we were sitting in a circle and the two priests come round with body the bread and wine so you have to take both kinds anyway, unless you intinct which they don't like you do do for some reason. It is quicker how we do it in most RC churches, but I think it would be preferable to kneel.
    Barbara

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  4. Barbara, I sense a couple of serious problems with your comment...perhaps you would like to give me a ring or send an email to johnabberton@msn.com

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  5. Father--I think I phrased this post wrongly, though I have sent you a private e mail.I only receive communion in the RC church, I was only describing the circle at CR , I can see that it may have been misunderstood. My fault, I am sorry.I do attend lectures there at times, at CR as they have quite a good programme,in fact I do a great deal of study both of the Bible and Church history,but currently none within the RC CHURCH thought I would love to join any such group in our own churches if there were any taking place. I have made suggestions myself but these have never been taken up. Apologies for my careless writing. I think the sun must have affected my brain--I should not have said "because" I probably meant to say because I only receive in our own churches of course. Then gone on to explain the circle.

    barbara

    Barbara

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  6. Thank you for the private e mail Father, and I am relieved to s ee that I have not fallen into error, only with my typing--thank you very much for your concern,

    barbara

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