By the time you read this, Carlo Acutis will have been canonized! You may know him as the teenager who used his computer skills to tell others about adoration of the Blessed Sacraments and the many miracles of the Eucharist. Perhaps a revival in Eucharistic adoration led to a recent article in this month’s issue in America magazine titled “How Often Should a Catholic Receive Communion?” Here is a summary of the article.
In the first four centuries Christians received Communion whenever they attended Mass whether weekly or daily. By the 10th century worshipers received only once a year at Easter. Opposition to frequent Communion began in 380 when Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Millions converted to the official religion without proper instruction and tended to be lax. Devout Christians doubted these new Christians should receive regularly. Many began to fear the Lord and showed their reverence by not receiving Communion. A synod in 506 had to require reception of Communion three times a year, but the penitential requirements to receive were strict, and few received three times. By 1215 the Fourth Lateran Council decreed the Easter Duty of reception once a year, a practice I heard about as a child.
Worships more often looked at the host rather than receive Communion on the tongue. Benediction and processions became popular. Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274), along with the Jesuits and Saint Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross emphasized Jesus Christ as a Bridegroom who wanted to be frequently available to His bride, the Church. Finally in 1905 Pius X wrote about reception of the Eucharist to all in the state of grace. We are truly blessed now that we can receive at every Mass. May the new Saint Calo Acutis strengthen our devotion to the Eucharist.
By the way, some of our Sisters of Notre Dame convents around the world have adoration of the Blessed Sacrament regularly. I live near the Sisters of Notre Dame Center in Whitehouse, Ohio. Every day you see sisters faithfully praying a holy hour at 11:00 AM.
2 Responses
Good history review!
Being the musician at a Carlo Acutis school and parish, his emphasis on the Eucharist can be actually felt. Msgr. Chris Vasco exclaimed about the reverence the students showed at their recent trip to Rome and Assisi. I hope you readers from the Toledo area take a trip to Immaculate Conception Church to visit the statue of Carlo and the prayer the eighth graders last year designed and wrote.