A press release from the FIUV. PDF here.In German translation, the statement is here.
In Spanish translation, the statement is 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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