desecration of the eucharist canon law
PDF CANON LAW AND RCIA ISSUES - Roman Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City I personally had not come across a situation like this before, and I did not know whether any rule existed either. Canons 1211-1112 touch upon the violation of sacred places. After this, the deacon and other ministers place the altar cloth and the other usual elements upon the altar and may place flowers around it. One is a procession of the people from a nearby church or another suitable place during which prayer and the litany of the saints is sung, including the patron of the desecrated church and other prayers found in the Roman ritual. One copy is to be kept in the diocesan curia, the other in the archive of the church. Can. Can. 901 A priest is free to apply the Mass for anyone, living or dead. + Julin HerranzTitular Archbishop of Vertara President, Taken from: L'Osservatore Romano Weekly Edition in English 14 July 1999, 3-4. Can. The Weekly Edition in English is published for the US by: The Cathedral Foundation L'Osservatore Romano English Edition 320 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 Subscriptions: (410) 547-5315 Fax: (410) 332-1069 lormail@catholicreview.org, EWTN | 5817 Old Leeds Rd. EIN 27-4581132 Can We Receive Holy Communion Twice on Christmas Day? 903 A priest is to be permitted to celebrate the Eucharist, even if he is not known to the rector of the church, provided either that he presents commendatory letters, not more than a year old, from his own Ordinary or Superior, or that it can be prudently judged that he is not debarred from celebrating. The most suitable Mass formula may be chosen; for example: the votive Mass of the holy Eucharist (in cases of profanation of the Blessed Sacrament) or for promoting harmony in the case of violent clashes. Whether or not the word "abicere" in canons 1367 CIC and 1442 CCEO should be understood only as the act of throwing away. 956 Each and every administrator of pious causes and those, whether clerics or lay persons, who are in any way obliged to provide for the celebration of Masses, are to transfer to their Ordinaries, in a manner to be determined by the latter, such Mass obligations as have not been discharged within a year. When the wife realized what was happening, she naturally panicked! The distribution of Communion has also been revised. Can. Now, there was doubt in the minds of some of our old Catholics. Does Mass Have to be Said in a Church? - Canon Law Made Easy A VERY timely repost on how distribution of Holy Communion - Barnhardt According to the author, a Catholic priest who is familiar with the situation in both the USA and Canada, this problem is extremely widespread. 937 Unless there is a grave reason to the contrary, a church in which the blessed Eucharist is reserved is to be open to the faithful for at least some hours every day, so that they can pray before the blessed Sacrament. Could a parish require everyone attending Mass to show identification when entering the church, and keep a list? Father Raymond J. de Souza Father Raymond J. de Souza is the founding editor of Convivium magazine. The individual must have acted freely without threat of force or grave fear, have the use of reason, and not have acted mistakenly. 922 Holy Viaticum for the sick is not to be unduly delayed. 910 1 The ordinary minister of holy communion is a Bishop, a priest or a deacon. It is our duty to do everything we can to protect Our Lord, Who loves us so much that He chose to remain helpless in the Eucharistic Host, in order to stay with us until the end of time. For example, God alone knows how many non-Catholics attend Mass sometimes with their Catholic friends, and then they all go up to receive Holy Communion together; yet as was discussed in detail in When Can Episcopalians Receive the Eucharist at a Catholic Mass? Catholic sacraments are for Catholics (c. 844.1), and thus non-Catholics are barred from receiving Holy Communion in a Catholic church. Just as a soul can be damaged by sin and need restoration through the sacraments, so too the soul of a sacred building can be desecrated and need a rite of healing. The bishop announced that he had the altar burned and would consecrate a new one. 929 In celebrating and administering the Eucharist, priests and deacons are to wear the sacred vestments prescribed by the rubrics. 949 One who is obliged to celebrate and apply Mass for the intentions of those who made an offering, is bound by this obligation even if the offering received is lost through no fault of his. 927 It is absolutely wrong, even in urgent and extreme necessity, to consecrate one element without the other, or even to consecrate both outside the eucharistic celebration. However, if he does so in violation of the law, the sacraments are valid. https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/catholic-church-consecrations-amid-desecrations, (Photo: Office of Human Life and Dignity), Disgraced Louisiana Priest Pleads Guilty to Filming Pornographic Material on Parish Altar, Bishop Barron Expresses Outrage, Vows to Reconsecrate Vandalized Cemetery, Tabernacle Desecrated During South African Cathedral Robbery, Update on Unrest: Tabernacle Stolen, Catholic Church Defaced, Pregnancy Clinic Vandalized, Holy at Home: Tips for Forming Our Domestic Churches, Historic Prayer Book of Priest Who Hid King Charles II Goes on Display, Synod on Synodality: Read the Full List of Delegates, From Prison to World Youth Day: Man Builds 50 Confessionals to Be Used for Pilgrims. 1378), A bishop who consecrates another bishop without papal mandate (can. This article has been selected from the ZENIT Daily Dispatch Innovative Media, Inc. ZENIT International News Agency Via della Stazione di Ottavia, 95 00165 Rome, Italywww.zenit.org, To subscribe http://www.zenit.org/english/subscribe.htmlor email: english-request@zenit.org with SUBSCRIBE in the "subject" field, EWTN | 5817 Old Leeds Rd. 909 A priest is not to omit dutifully to prepare himself by prayer before the celebration of the Eucharist, nor afterwards to omit to make thanksgiving to God. All the faithful present, whether clerics or lay people, unite to participate in their own way, according to their various orders and liturgical roles. If they are made during a synod, they are diocesan laws, are usually known as "diocesan statutes", or "synodal statutes", and bind until revoked by the bishop or his successor. It is all too easy for thieves to approach the minister of Holy Communion while still wearing a mask, receive the Host in the hand and then lift the mask, pretending to put the Host in their mouth, while in reality they let the Host sit inside the mask, which they remove at their convenience later on. 904 Remembering always that in the mystery of the eucharistic Sacrifice the work of redemption is continually being carried out, priests are to celebrate frequently. (Roman Ritual: Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist outside of Mass, 11) In many places the custom has developed not to cover tabernacles, especially when they are artistically notable. those of the First Vatican Council. For example, under these circumstances could a pastor refuse Communion to someone he doesnt know? 2 A priest who is blind or suffering from some other infirmity, may lawfully celebrate the eucharistic Sacrifice by using the text of any approved Mass, with the assistance, if need be, of another priest or deacon or even a properly instructed lay person. 1498, 2). The Fathers of the Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Legislative Texts, at their plenary session on 4 June 1999, decided to respond in the following way to the dubium: Q. Gratian's Decree (Decretum Gratiani). 935 It is not lawful for anyone to keep the blessed Eucharist in personal custody or to carry it around, unless there is an urgent pastoral need and the prescriptions of the diocesan Bishop are observed. canonlawmadeeasy@yahoo.com Can. Accusations of host desecration ( German: Hostienschndung) leveled against Jews were a common pretext for massacres and expulsions throughout the Middle Ages in Europe. The common opinion is that when the decisions are enlargements of the law (declaratio extensiva legis) the decisions do not bind except in the particular case for which the decree is made. In order to deter those who let themselves be misled by such sentiments; the Church not only urges the faithful to avoid any form of disgraceful carelessness and negligence, but also considers the most unfortunate case of deliberate acts of hatred or contempt for the Blessed Sacrament. So what exactly does that underlined phrase mean in this context? 5 The person in charge of a church or oratory is to see to it that the key of the tabernacle in which the blessed Eucharist is reserved, is in maximum safe keeping. Father John Huddlestons personal missal, which is almost 400 years old, is now on display at Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton, which is situated in the West Midlands region of the country. Sacrilege | religion | Britannica Can. 2 In a case of necessity, or with the permission at least presumed of the parish priest, chaplain or Superior, who must subsequently be notified, any priest or other minister of holy communion must do this. In special circumstances the minister of exposition and deposition alone, but without the blessing, is an acolyte, and extraordinary minister of holy communion, or another person deputed by the local Ordinary, in accordance with the regulations of the diocesan Bishop. Yet even if everyone receives Holy Communion on the tongue rather than in the hand, priests and faithful cant relax their guard completelybecause its still possible to steal the Eucharist by surreptitiously spitting the Host out and taking It away. (Repost), Refusing a Funeral Mass to a Non-Parishioner, Episcopal Celibacy and the Case of Bishop Antony. Any papal bull, brief, or motu proprio is a decree inasmuch as these documents are legislative acts of the pope. Catholic Church Consecrations Amid Desecrations The congregations were instead to issue instructions on the canons of the code, and to make it clear that they were elucidating particular canons of the code. Canon 918 gives us yet another group of Catholics who may not be admitted to Communion: those who have already received it twice on the same day, unless they are in danger of death (addressed in Can We Receive Holy Communion Twice on Christmas Day?). They too need to be vigilant about what is fitting for the holy of holies, to use a biblical term for the Temple. 925 Holy communion is to be given under the species of bread alone or, in accordance with the liturgical laws, under both species or, in case of necessity, even under the species of wine alone. 921 2. Canon 938.3 states that a tabernacle is to be immovable [i.e., bolted into the floor or the altar, or in some way built directly into it], made of solid and opaque material, and locked in such a way that the danger of profanation is avoided as much as possible. How can we appropriately distinguish between Catholics who wish to receive Holy Communion for the right reasons and others who want to do exactly the same thing, but for unthinkably wrong reasons? Just as there exist careful rites for the dedication of sacred places, so too there are liturgical rituals and pious actions prescribed when those holy places are desecrated, to make reparation and purify them again for holy purposes. Thus while we Catholics should all be horrified at the stories which Bella recounts, we shouldnt be surprised. When the desecration of the Most Blessed Sacrament occurs during the celebration of Mass, with the reception of Holy Communion, during simple or solemn exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament and/or to the reserved Most Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, the following protocol is to be observed: In the past Cathy has published articles both in scholarly journals and on various popular Catholic websites, including Real Presence Communications and Catholic Exchange. Can. In this sense the term is quite ancient. The first, canon 912, states that "Any baptized person not prohibited by law can and must be admitted to holy communion.". All rights reserved. [6] This was done so as not to make the code obsolete soon after it was promulgated. 897); therefore "Christ's faithful are to hold the blessed Eucharist in the highest honour ; they should receive the sacrament with great devotion and frequently, and should reverence it with the greatest adoration" (can. Incredibly, in some large parishes there are so many lay people who have access to the tabernacle key that its basically impossible to keep track of when, why, and by whom it is opened. Q: Probably you already know all about the priest in New Orleans who desecrated the altar of his parish together with a couple of prostitutes. 957 The duty and the right to see that Mass obligations are fulfilled belongs, in the case of churches of the secular clergy, to the local Ordinary; in the case of churches of religious institutes or societies of apostolic life, to their Superiors. 2 The Ordinary is obliged to inspect these books each year, either personally or through others. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says in fact that sacrilege "is a grave sin especially when committed against the Eucharist, for in this sacrament the true Body of Christ is made substantially present for us" (n. 2120). come to the priest confessing desecration of the Eucharist. 902 Unless the welfare of the Christian faithful requires or suggests otherwise, priests can concelebrate the Eucharist. In the past Cathy has published articles both in scholarly journals and on various popular Catholic websites, including Real Presence Communications and Catholic . 1367 - A person who throws away the consecrated species or takes or retains them for a . +Julin HerranzTitular Archbishop of Vertara President, + Bruno BertagnaTitular Bishop of Drivastum Secretary, Safeguarding the Bread of life come down from heaven. Can. Job Board Tabernacle, Eucharist Desecrated in Mexican Chapel In an April 9 statement, the Diocese of Quertaro expressed its 'sadness and concern' that Holy Family Chapel in St. Sebastian parish. Protecting the Blessed Sacrament thus trumps this concession granted by Romeas Rome itself has declared unambiguously! Can. In fact, Canon 1367 of the Code of Canon Law says that a person who takes or retains the consecrated species for a sacrilegious purpose incurs an excommunication that can only be lifted by the Holy See. In this case, the fact that the Eucharist occupies a supreme place in the Church leads logically to many rules about the reverence due to the Blessed Sacrament in general, and the reception of Holy Communion in particular. There are several forms of carrying out the rite. Why is Google hiding the posts on this website in its search results? While she was on her way home, however, the Host began to bleed. The Horror of the Profanation of the Most Holy Eucharist Biden Administration to Send Cluster Bombs to Ukraine: What Has the Church Said. Its worth pointing out at this point that the practice of receiving Holy Communion in the hand invariably makes it much easier for a clever satanist to avoid actually consuming the Host. Is it Valid If I Marry Him Just For His Money? Absolutely not, and canons 843.1 and 912 (already discussed above) should make that clear. 920 1 Once admitted to the blessed Eucharist, each of the faithful is obliged to receive holy communion at least once a year. 16, 2; CCE0, can. 2 Exposition of the blessed Sacrament may not take place while Mass is being celebrated in the same area of the church or oratory. Paul Myers claimed that he wanted to desecrate the Eucharist in order to show that a consecrated Host is only, in his contemptuous words, "a cracker." But if he really thought that this was only. Preaching to prepare for the penitential rite may be carried out. A prayer of intercession asking for God's mercy is carried out. Canon 1367 of the Code of Canon Law states: "A person who throws away the consecrated species or takes or retains them for a sacrilegious purpose incurs a latae sententiae (automatic . Can. A Penitent's Guide to "Reserved Sins" - Aleteia The Mass of reparation is the preferred mode. The other way it can be imposed by canon law itself when certain actions take place. Placing of the Tabernacle | EWTN Usually this happens when someone receives the Host and tries to put It into his/her pocket. 2 This precept must be fulfilled during paschal time, unless for a good reason it is fulfilled at another time during the year. In explaining the doctrine of this sacrament, pastors of souls are assiduously to instruct the faithful about their obligation in this regard. The Supreme Pontiff John Paul II, at the audience granted on 3 July 1999 to the undersigned President, was informed of the aforementioned decision, confirmed it and ordered it to be published. She founded this website to provide clear answers to canonical questions asked by ordinary Catholics, without employing all the mysterious legalese that canon lawyers know and love. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. 928 The eucharistic celebration is to be carried out either in the latin language or in another language, provided the liturgical texts have been lawfully approved. Basically, the grounds for excommunication is this: You have committed a grave offense that caused you to be spiritually separated from the Church and the community of the faithful. Moreover, it is his obligation to see to the celebration of the Masses until such time as he has received evidence that the obligation has been undertaken and the offering received. The term can be used to describe the bread both before and after consecration, although it is more correct to use it after consecration. Moreover, in certain cases these sacrileges constitute true and real offences, according to the canons of both Latin and Eastern Church law, to which a penalty is attached. When Can a Layperson Be a Pastor of a Parish? For a just reason, however, the Ordinary can permit it to be reserved also in another oratory of the same house. When it comes to deterrence, lets not forget that there are other ways to steal the Host, like breaking into the tabernacle. I have personally heard priests tell their congregations matter-of-factly, If you come to receive Communion and youre still wearing your mask, I wont give It to you. This is not a violation of anybodys rights, since the priest isnt refusing the sacrament; rather, he is making sure the sacrament is received properly. In this case, we see that God Himself prevented the satanic desecration of the Eucharist which undoubtedly would have taken place otherwise. These actions certainly constitute by reason of their matter - a very grave sin of sacrilege. 3 While the danger of death persists, it is recommended that holy communion be administered a number of times, but on separate days. 1378) A bishop who consecrates another bishop without papal mandate (can. Can. The delegates are made up of representatives selected by bishops conferences and Eastern Catholic Churches, leaders in the Roman Curia, and 120 delegates personally selected by Pope Francis. 945 1 In accordance with the approved custom of the Church, any priest who celebrates or concelebrates a Mass may accept an offering to apply the Mass for a specific intention. Returning to the chair, and with hands joined, he invites those present to pray. He then blesses water, and after a moment of silent prayer sprinkles the altar. If someone attends Mass and receives the Eucharist solely for the purpose of taking the Host away for desecration in a satanic ritual, what can be done to prevent this? Contempt for the Eucharist | EWTN 914 It is primarily the duty of parents and of those who take their place, as it is the duty of the parish priest, to ensure that children who have reached the use of reason are properly prepared and, having made their sacramental confession, are nourished by this divine food as soon as possible. All rights reserved. 1070-1092, which describes the public prayers to be made after the desecration of a church. This is an often overlooked distinction which pertains directly to the situation in Bellas diocese. (c. 940 Can a Laicized Priest Return to the Priesthood? It is the priests duty to safeguard the Eucharist from abusea duty that can clearly be inferred from the Churchs insistence on the worship due to Our Lord truly present in the consecrated Host (as is articulated in the theological canon 897 discussed above, among many other places). In addition to the robbery and damage, and more concerning to the Church, the vandalism included Eucharistic desecration. Can. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. And Catholics can be refused Holy Communion if they have failed to observe the Eucharistic fast, as found in canon 919.1discussed in more detail in How Has Canon Law Changed on Fasting Before Communion?. 1323): Unless the canon reserves removal of the penalty to the Holy See, the local ordinary can remit the excommunication, or he can delegate that authority to the priests of his diocese (which most bishops do in the case of abortion). PDF Guidelines for the Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament Sacramental bread - Wikipedia Can. It can be tempting to disregard these canons, but thats a big mistakebecause they invariably explain the theological foundation upon which church discipline and laws are built. 1211 Sacred places are violated by gravely injurious actions done in them with scandal to the faithful, actions which, in the judgment of the local ordinary, are so grave and contrary to the holiness of the place that it is not permitted to carry on worship in them until the damage is repaired by a penitential rite according to the norm of the liturgical books. At the rehearsal I asked the sacristan for a table upon which to sign the parish wedding register and the government marriage license. 2 Even if they have already received holy communion that same day, it is nevertheless strongly suggested that in danger of death they should communicate again. Can I Become a Priest, If I Have an Illegitimate Child? Code of Canon Law - Book IV - Function of the Church Liber For most ordinary Catholics, priests and laity alike, who are spared the phenomenon of desecration, dedication feasts and reparation rituals are reminders for us to honor our own altars and churches. Can. The mere fact that a Catholic happens to be visiting a parish which he does not commonly attend does not bar him from receiving the Eucharist there. 917 One who has received the blessed Eucharist may receive it again on the same day only within a eucharistic celebration in which that person participates, without prejudice to the provision of can. Those who have the care of souls are to take assiduous care that the sick are strengthened by it while they are in full possession of their faculties. Can. To receive the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist is to unite with (come into union or commune with) both Jesus's Body in the Eucharist and the Church which is His Body on earth.
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