Pastoral Letter on the Present Crisis - 3/15/2020

Over the past week the threat posed by the Covid-19 virus, better known as the “Novel Corona Virus” has brought about comparisons with the flu pandemic of 1918-1919.  I think that it is important for us to consider some of the pastoral, liturgical, and spiritual implications of times like these.

Pastoral Considerations

We have already seen churches in several countries closed.  This is a very serious step taken because of the need to limit exposure to the viruses concerned and their spread.  I will, of course, follow the directives of our bishop and relevant public health officials.  No matter what happens however, I will be available for the spiritual care of the sick.  I’m just a phone call away.  I will come.

Liturgical Considerations

We have already implemented the obvious first steps: Deacon Sam and I, as well as the Extraordinary Ministers of Communion who assist us are careful to wash our hands or use alcohol based sanitizer to clean our hands; we don’t offer the Eucharistic Cup during Lent and we will continue to do so beyond if necessary; and we have suspended the Sign of Peace until the threat is passed.

     Some have suggested that we should also suspend Holy Communion on the Tongue.  There are a number of bishops and archbishops who have ordered this in their jurisdictions, Bishop Callahan has not as of yet.  Significantly, my school mate and friend, Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon actually consulted with doctors who are of the opinion that there is no more a threat of spreading a virus by Communion on the Tongue than there is by Communion in the Hand.  Indeed, my own experience is despite taking great care, I touch far more hands than tongues in the course of distributing Holy Communion, in fact, touching a tongue is very rare.
     I would also point out that it is a point of universal liturgical law that those who desire to receive Holy Communion on the tongue have a right to do so.  As Archbishop Sample, cited above, reminds us: “a parish ‘cannot ban reception of Holy Communion on the tongue’ nor may that means be refused if a person requests it, referring to a 2004 Vatican instruction, Redemptionis Sacramentum, which noted that “each of the faithful always has the right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, at his choice [92].” 
     With these considerations in mind, I will continue to distribute Holy Communion according to the desire of the communicant.  If an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion may be uncomfortable with this, they may excuse themselves from assisting me in this ministry at this time. 
     There may also be those who are uncomfortable receiving Holy Communion at all.  It has been the practice of Catholics in times past to engage in the practice of Spiritual Communion.  This is the practice of abstaining from receiving Holy Communion but to desire no less fervently the presence of Christ.  The Archbishop Emeritus of Milan, Cardinal Scola, has stressed that temporarily abstaining from Holy Communion can be spiritually beneficial.  He points out that on Fridays of Lent in the Ambrosian Rite, which is traditionally celebrated in Milan, a “Eucharistic Fast” is kept.  The purpose is to “make [the faithful] feel deeply the lack of the living Christ in our midst.”  He further states that it stirs “more hunger for the word of God and for the Eucharist.”
     This is something that is foreign to many, even most of us at the present time.  It is, however, an ancient spiritual practice which should be given more consideration in times such as these.  It is carried out by remaining in one’s place, kneeling in adoration (if this is physically possible) and making an act of spiritual communion (in the sense of “union”) with our Lord.  The following prayer is a good example of such an act: 

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You in my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

Spiritual Considerations

In times like this, some can wonder where God is in all of this.  There is no question God is with us.  We should be especially aware of this as we adore the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist which is our Lord, Jesus Christ’s sacramental presence among us, as well as in our meditation on the Stations of the Cross and the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

     It is precisely in our suffering that our Lord is with us in His passion.  It is important that we cultivate our awareness of this presence in times that are NOT times of stress.  However, if we have not and find ourselves in such times, all is not lost: God is still with us and He is lovingly waiting for us to turn towards Him – so turn. 
     So, let this be such a time of spiritual growth and maturing.  Trust in the promise He has made and revealed.  Let this be the time which draws us closer to God and to one another.