A press release from the FIUV. PDF here.In German translation, the statement is here.
In Spanish translation, the statement is here.
Foederatio
Internationalis
Una Voce
Quae patronum invocat sanctum Gregorium Magnum Papam.
Press Release: Communion on the Tongue and Epidemic
In light of the recent statement (and here) by Archbishop Thomas J.
Rodi of Mobile, Alabama, in the United States of America, on social distancing
during the reception of Holy Communion, and related issues surrounding the reception of Holy Communion around the world
in the context of the Coronavirus epidemic, the Foederatio Internationalis Una
Voce (FIUV) would like to make the following observations.
1. In the Ordinary Form, the universal law of the Church
gives every Catholic the right to receive on the tongue. This was reaffirmed by
the Congregation of Divine Worship in the context of earlier public health concerns,
the so-called ‘Swine flu’ epidemic of 2009. (See for example RedemptionisSacramentum (2004) 92; Letter of the Congregation of Divine Worship 24th July 2009, Prot.
N. 655/09/L.)
2. In the Extraordinary Form, the universal law of the
Church allows for the reception of Holy Communion only on the tongue. (See UniversaeEcclesiae (2011) 28; MemorialeDomini (1969).)
3. In neither case can the law of the Church be set aside by
the Ordinary.
