Eat and drink

Picture source is here

A distinguishing feature of the celebration of the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church is that, in most instances – at least in my observation over several decades – Holy Communion is provided under one species only, namely the consecrated bread rather than the consecrated wine. The practice in the Eastern rites is different, where Communion is almost always given under both kinds.

This is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church has to say on the matter (#1390):

Since Christ is sacramentally present under each of the species, communion under the species of bread alone makes it possible to receive all the fruit of Eucharistic grace. For pastoral reasons this manner of receiving communion has been legitimately established as the most common form in the Latin rite. But "the sign of communion is more complete when given under both kinds, since in that form the sign of the Eucharistic meal appears more clearly."  This is the usual form of receiving communion in the Eastern rites.

To be clear, the Roman Catholic church teaches the doctrine of concomitance which states that Christ is fully present - Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity - in each part of the Eucharist (either the bread or the wine). I fully subscribe to this teaching.  The Eastern Orthodox avoid a dogmatic definition of the mystery of Christ's presence. Their response is to always link the eating and the drinking.

I find the  practice of communion (as distinct from the doctrine of concomitance which I accept) under one species only puzzling.  No convincing explanation – theological or practical – is provided for the continuance of this practice in the Roman Catholic Church. True, the Church does affirm that there is no loss of grace or validity when communion is under one species. And, as the above quotation makes clear the distinction between East and West lies in custom rather than any doctrinal difference.

In the Eastern rites, the consecrated bread is placed into the chalice with the consecrated wine and the faithful receive both Body and Blood together on a spoon.  In the East, a portion of the consecrated bread (literally referred to as the 'Lamb') is intincted - that is, the Precious Blood is poured onto it.  It is then cut into small pieces and allowed to dry. These are reserved for later use (e.g., in Artophorion or vessel) and brought to the sick as required.

The practice of communion under one species in the West reflects, among other issues, a concern about possible spillage of the precious blood.  It is also possible that factors such as ease of distribution as well as possible concerns about hygiene and logistical arrangements still weigh. 

But, if packed Anglican churches in Nigeria can do it why can’t diminishing congregations in Roman Catholic churches in Ireland do it?

In any case, the words of the Lord – “Take this, all of you, and drink from it” – together with the general pattern of early Christian practice and the teaching of the Catechism, provide a basis for reflecting on possible development in this area. While there is no obligation for the faithful to receive under both species, neither is there any absolute requirement that local churches refrain from offering both.

Matthew 26:27-28 -

Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

The Ardagh chalice (8th Century)

 

This is what the Irish priest would have seen after raising the chalice at the elevation in the Eucharist in the 8th Century.