About the Latin Mass: Communion

We, as Catholics, have the privilege of receiving the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ during communion. From time-to-time, it is worthwhile to review and consider the various aspects of how we receive Him, to hopefully grow in our understanding of communion where possible.

During the Latin Mass, we receive communion directly from the priest, on the tongue, while kneeling at an altar rail, with our hands held low.

The means of receiving at Latin Mass highlights two aspects of communion. First, we are meeting Christ at a threshold, between the sacred sanctuary from where He chooses to come to us, and our temporal world. Second, receiving on the tongue fulfills an implied contract, that we will receive and directly consume the purity of the Host. In the English Mass, the recipient should begin to consume the Host in the sight of the priest, deacon, or Eucharistic minister, so that the intended fate of the Host is confirmed. In reality, due to receiving in the hand, and to keep things moving, the recipient begins to consume the Host just after walking away. Because of these concerns, I now receive on the tongue even when attending English Mass.

After beginning to attend Latin Mass two years ago, I recalled that, in preparation for my first communion in 1973, we were taught not to chew the Host. Although there is nothing in today’s Catechism that confirms this, it is a tradition, slows the process, and helps ensure that the Host is directly consumed. The Host should be retained between the tongue and the roof of the mouth, which is consistent with the Latin Mass response said before coming forward for communion, taken from scripture paraphrasing the Roman soldier, which translates to, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.” Our communion with Christ should be lasting, so that we can reflect on Him.

After returning to the pew, I first look at the crucifix, to envision being at the foot of the cross, and to consider simultaneously the once-lifeless body of Christ, and the miracle of His eternal, living sacrifice outpouring from Him. I then turn to the painting in Nativity’s church of the resurrected, forgiving Christ, to also consider this aspect of Him.

The Latin Mass is celebrated Sundays at Blessed Sacrament at 8:30 and Nativity at 9:00.