St. Thomas Aquinas: The great Doctor of the Church writes,"Out of reverence towards
this Sacrament (Eucharist), nothing touches it but what is consecrated" (Summa, Pt III Q.Q2 Art. 3)
History: Disobedience to the Pope; Communion in the hand was illegally introduced
in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France and in the U.S. well before Pope Paul VI wrote
"Memoriale Domini". The Holy See firmly opossed the disobedient and abusive practice from the
beginning.
St. Basil: (330 - 379 AD) Considered Communion in the hand a "grave fault".
Council of Rouen: (650 AD) "Do not put the Eucharist in the hands of any layperson,
but only in their mouths."
Council of Constantinople: (695 AD)"prohibited the faithful from giving Communion to
themselves." "It decreed an excommunication of one week's duration for those who would do so in the
presence of a bishop, priest, or deacon."
The Council of Saragozza: (380 AD)"It was decided to punish with excommunication
antone who dared to continue the practice of Communion in the Hand."
Council of Trent:"To priests alone has been given power to consecrate and administer the Holy
Eucharist. That the unvarying practice of the Church has also been, that the faithful receive the Sacrament
from the hands of the priest.."
Pope Paul VI: In Memoriale Domini (May 29, 1969), the Pope recognized that Communion on the
tongue was more conducive to faith, reverence, and humility.
Memoriale Domini:Pope Paul VI stated that: "The Apostolic See therefore vehemently urges
bishops, priests and laity to carefully submit to the law (Communion on the tongue) which is still valid and
which has been confirmed" (#16)
Pope John Paul II:
1) Had a sign posted on St Peter's Bascilica specifying that all priest who celebrate Mass in St Peter's,
no mater where they come from, were to give Communion on the tongue.
2) Currently gives Communion only on the tongue in his private Masses at the Vatican. Concelebrating
priest are told to do the same.
3) said: "I did not revoke what one of my predecessors has said about this ...... Hear, my dear priests and
my dear brothers and sisiters, only Communion on the tongue and kneeling is allowed. I say this to you
as your bishop!",
4) On Communion in the hand: "There is an apostolic letter that the existence of this special permission is
valid. But I tell you, that I am not in favor of it..... neither will I recommend it !" (Nov. 1980, Germany)
Mother Teresa of Calcutta:Statement by Mother Teresa of Calcutta
"Futher it is the custom in our Society, and my known wish, that the Sisters receive Holy Communion on the
tongue, which to my knowledge they are doing everywhere. (India 1995)
Fr. John Hardon S.J.:"Whatever you do to stop Communion in the hand will be blessed by God"
Bishop Juan Laise of San Luis, Argentina:Warns "With Communion in the hand, a miracle would
be required during each distribution of Communion to avoid some particles from falling to the ground or
remaining in the hand of the faithful."
