Monday, June 08, 2020

Communion and Covid: from the Una Voce Federation

A press release from the FIUV. PDF version here.

Foederatio Internationalis 
Una Voce

Quae patronum invocat sanctum Gregorium Magnum Papam.


Press Release: Communion on the Tongue and Epidemic

In light of the recent statement (and here) by Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile, Alabama, in the United States of America, on social distancing during the reception of Holy Communion, and related issues surrounding the reception of Holy Communion around the world in the context of the Coronavirus epidemic, the Foederatio Internationalis Una Voce (FIUV) would like to make the following observations.

1. In the Ordinary Form, the universal law of the Church gives every Catholic the right to receive on the tongue. This was reaffirmed by the Congregation of Divine Worship in the context of earlier public health concerns, the so-called ‘Swine flu’ epidemic of 2009. (See for example RedemptionisSacramentum (2004) 92; Letter of the Congregation of Divine Worship 24th July 2009, Prot. N. 655/09/L.)

2. In the Extraordinary Form, the universal law of the Church allows for the reception of Holy Communion only on the tongue. (See UniversaeEcclesiae (2011) 28; MemorialeDomini (1969).)

3. In neither case can the law of the Church be set aside by the Ordinary.


4. The problem of maintaining physical distance between Minister and Communicant during the Reception of Holy Communion applies equally to Reception in the Hand as to Reception on the Tongue. In both cases Minister and Communicant are obliged to come close to each other, if only for a short time, and without touching. It is difficult to see how even the use of an instrument such as a pair of tongs (for which there are historical precedents) would enable Minister and Communicant to maintain a distance of six feet or two meters.

5. Canon law is rightly very restrictive in the penalties which bishops can impose on their priests for the breach of regulations of their own devising. Bishop Rodi’s attempt to prohibit priests who do not obey his regulations to celebrate public Masses—something which amounts to a partial suspension of a priest—goes beyond what Canon law would appear to justify. (See Canons 1316-1319).

6. It has become increasingly evident that there is no clear scientific basis for the claim that Reception on the Tongue is more likely to transmit the Coronavirus than Reception in the Hand. This has been the expert advice given to Archbishop Sample of Portland, Oregon, USA, and to Archbishop José Antonio Eguren, of Piura, Peru, and it is also the view of the experts involved in the guidelines of the Thomistic Institute of Washington, DC, in the USA. If any bishops around the world are in possession of studies or expert opinions in conflict with this growing consensus, it behooves them to make these public as a matter of urgency.

7. Where local circumstances demand it, the suspension of the Reception of Holy Communion, of the celebration of Masses open to the public, and even the opening of churches for private prayer, have been ordered by bishops and public authorities. These measures are at least even-handed and, insofar as they are justified by genuine public health concerns, do not infringe the rights of the Faithful. As these measures are gradually lifted around the world, we urge bishops to continue to act in accordance with expert advice, not arbitrarily picking out certain priests and faithful for greater restrictions than those imposed on others, and with respect for the rights of the Faithful.

The President and Officers of the Foederatio Internationalis Una Voce, 8th June 2020

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About the Foederatio Internationalis Una Voce (FIUV)

The FIUV represents the needs and concerns of the world-wide laity attached to the ancient Latin liturgical tradition, the Extraordinary Form. It has more than 45 member associations from Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Asia.

The Federation has a biennial General Assembly in Rome, and publishes a magazine twice a year, Gregorius Magnus.

CONTACT DETAILS

Website: www.fiuv.org

President, Felipe Alanís Suarez: president@fiuv.org
Secretary, Dr Joseph Shaw: secretary@fiuv.org
Treasurer, Monika Rheinschmitt: treasurer@fiuv.org


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6 comments:

  1. Our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST 🙏 is present, BODY, BLOOD, SOUL and DIVINITY in the MOST HOLY EUCHARIST.
    Nothing more need be said....
    GOD is with us.🙏......
    Employing the Holy Sacraments and staying in Communion with GOD is our only Hope.....through everything that this world can possibly put the faithful through.
    GOD is GOD 🙏 ......
    Without GOD we are nothing......
    i can not come to terms with decisions made by those in Authority that put GOD under man's law.
    Divine Providence governs the universe.....Lucia and Francisco's simple minded family understood this....they accepted this....why can't we.
    Most BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 🙏
    HOLY MARY, MOTHER of GOD
    Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
    Amen 🙏

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    1. I don't agree that God is being put "under man's law" but rather that we are being advised that close contact can spread the virus. Our hierarchy have, IMHO, acted completely in line with the medical advice given & we must respect that. No doubt when it is deemed safe our churches will be reopened & we will once again be allowed to worship Our Lord & God. Many, including myself, have felt the loss of attendance at Holy Mass & the reception of Holy Communion but, although of less value, we can 'attend' Mass on line & make a Spiritual Communion. Some priests are even offering Confession by appointment.

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  2. my apologies.....
    The comment posted at 11:14 am...unknown, was mine.
    i am not familiar with the use of this device much more posting comments.
    Just needed to say what was said ....my name is Hester.

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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. I like how you pick and choose which post 1962 laws must be ignored and which must be applied. Communion in the hand, "no, I don't like that". Anticipated 6PM "midnight" mass, "yes please, that allows me to get back to Oxford at a reasonable hour".

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    Replies
    1. It isn't a matter that we "pick & choose" but rather that we apply the norms to the different forms of the Mass. The rule in the usus antiquior is that Communion is received on the tongue while in the Ordinary Form there is a choice of reception in the hand or on the tongue &, additionally, whether to receive the Precious Blood from the chalice or not.

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