Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 309.  Mon  6-08-92 17:43  (MAILED)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Dave Brown
 Subject: Reverence At Communion

ÚÄ
³ Fr. Mateo,
³  
³ A few weeks ago I read an article by Fr. Stravinskas in the _National
³ Catholic Register_ entitled "Christ's Body and Blood--Well, Maybe."  It
³ dealt with our attitudes towards the Blessed Sacrament.  One thing that
³ struck me as someone new to the Church was his statement that even
³ though standing for Communion is now permitted--that we are still
³ supposed to bow or genuflect as we approach for Communion.  Stravinskas'
³ point was to contrast the way we approach the consecrated Host with how
³ the Host is incensed during Benediction.  Was Fr. Stravinskas just
³ expressing his own opinion, or are we supposed to show a special
³ reverence as we approach for Communion at Mass?
³  
³ Thanks,
³  
³ Dave Brown
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ÀÄ[DB=>FM]
 
Dear Dave,
 
The "Instruction concerning Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery"
(INAESTIMABILE DONUM, April 17, 1980, section II) says:  "With regard
to the manner of going to Communion, the faithful can receive it 
either kneeling or standing.... When they receive Communion standing,
it is strongly recommended that, coming up in procession, they should
make a sign of reverence before receiving the Sacrament. This should
be done at the right time and place, so that the order of people
going to and from Communion is not disrupted.  The AMEN said by the
faithful when receiving Communion is an act of personal faith in the
presence of Christ.''
 
This instruction was issued by the Sacred Congregation for the
Sacraments and Divine Worship, and was approved and confirmed by Pope
John Paul II.
 
My impressions of Father Stravinskas, from reading several of his
responses, is that he does not waste his readers' time by 
"expressing his own opinions".  You can trust him to do his research
properly and to give us solid Catholic doctrine and practice.
 
                           Sincerely in Christ,
 
                                Father Mateo