From the Friars: Holy Communion

Jesus said, “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.” (Jn 6:52) Although we know that the whole Christ is present under each species in Holy Communion, receiving under both kinds makes the fulfillment of this command of Our Lord more clearly visible. At Holy Rosary Shrine we will soon be offering the option to receive Jesus under both species by intinction. Prior to this we will be reminding people of the proper way to receive the Holy Eucharist and of the importance of spiritual preparation and time for thanksgiving.

St. John Paul II wrote in his 2003 encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia that he wanted to rekindle our amazement at this greatest gift that God has given us, His very self, hidden under the appearance of bread and wine. Indeed, what could be more amazing than to receive the living God into our very bodies. The Divine Life we are given in Baptism is nourished by the Bread of Life. But if that state of grace is lost due to serious sin the person becomes spiritually dead, separated from God. They must first be reconciled in the Sacrament of Confession before they can receive. To go to Communion in a state of mortal sin is itself a grave sin of sacrilege.

The Church requires that we fast for at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion. It is very appropriate that we prepare our heart and body for the King of Kings to enter into us. If the Pope or some other important person were going to visit our home, would we not work to prepare a clean and worthy place for them? How much more so for Jesus Himself. And after we have consumed the host the Real Presence of Christ is within us for about ten to fifteen minutes. These are the most precious moments of our lives. Let us spend them well, adoring and thanking Our Lord so intimately united to us.

Flyers will be available in the church to explain the proper way to receive Holy Communion. We ask everyone to review them carefully. Please do not assume that you are receiving correctly because many do not.

Thank you.
“Do this in memory of me.” (Lk 22:19)
–Fr. Peter