The CLMC is pleased to provide some information related to the recent decisions and debate about the Sacraments during the coronavirus outbreak. Please read and be informed.
Right of the faithful to receive Holy Communion on the tongue
Sadly during the anxiety over the virus outbreak, some clergy around the world are implementing policies to deny the right of the faithful to receive Holy Communion on the tongue. Be advised, the faithful have a right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue. Please read, be informed, and defend your rights:
..sacred ministers may not deny the sacraments to those who seek them in a reasonable manner, are rightly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them… each of the faithful always has the right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue… – Redemptionis Sacramentum (See sections 91 & 92), Congregation of Divine Worship, March 25, 2004.
Please see the attached letter by the Congregation of Divine Worship on July 24, 2009 to a petitioner reconfirming the laity’s right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue.
See attached letter here: https://charlottelatinmass.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/cdw-july-24-2009-letter.pdf
Mass options
Mass for Deliverance from Death in time of Pestilence
As some of you may know, the 1962 Missal (Traditional Latin Mass) has a special votive Mass against the spread of pestilence. During Lent, this does require a decree from the Bishop to authorize its use.
Additionally, there are prayers that a Bishop can authorize against a pandemic in the Traditional Latin Mass:
http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2020/03/adding-prayers-ef-against-pandemic.html
Holy Communion on the tongue is the most hygienic way to receive Holy Communion
Holy Communion on the tongue is the most hygienic way to receive Holy Communion as Bishop Athanasius Schneider noted:
https://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2020/02/op-ed-bishop-schneider-rite-of-holy.html
Traditional Latin Mass & Holy Communion
This is re-stating the obvious but the rubrics of the Traditional Latin Mass only permit reception of Holy Communion on the tongue. If you aren’t attending the Latin Mass regularly and are concerned over the “banning” of Communion on the tongue at other Masses/places, we encourage you to make the jump and attend the Latin Mass regularly – especially on Sundays. Let this ancient Mass be your anchor during these uneasy times.
How to maintain oneself in a state of grace during a crisis
https://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2020/03/a-catholic-survival-guide-for-covid-19.html
Can a Bishop Require Communion in the Hand to Prevent the Spread of the Coronavirus? (And would this apply to the TLM?
The Saints & Plagues
Below are some links to what some of the Saints have done during times of pandemics:
St. Gregory: He led a procession to combat a deadly plague which affected much of the ancient world in the 6th century: https://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2020/02/de-mattei-gregory-and-coronavirus-of.html?m=1
He also instituted the major Rogation Day on April 25: https://www.fisheaters.com/customseastertide3.html
St. Charles Borromeo: Led Milan in ending a plague – https://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2020/03/de-mattei-how-st-charles-borromeo.html
Sensus Fidelium also has some great writes up on the patron saints of plagues:
Patron Saints of Plagues & Sacramentals to Protect Yourself From a Plague
Charlotte Latin Mass Community 