The question of "Eucharistic hospitality"-- sharing communion with other Christian churches-- has been the topic of heated debate in European Catholic circles. The widespread practice of Eucharistic hospitality, particularly in Germany and Switzerland, has been a source of deep concern to the Holy See. In his 2003 encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia (doc) , Pope John Paul II (bio - news) devoted most of a chapter to the issue, stressing that non-Catholics should not receive Communion. The Pope argued forcefully that the practice of intercommunion is an offense against ecumenism, not an aid, because it creates the false impression that non-Catholics share the Church's teaching on the nature of the Eucharist.

kill a man! Wait wrong song.
It seems to me that the only real reason that you could be willing to share the Eucharist with someone who doesn't think it's the Body and Blood of Christ is if you don't think so too. As an illustration, as much as Jess loves Cat, she wouldn't shuffle her into Pius and give her Communion. But the Swiss really seem into it. Does that mean they don't believe in the Real Presence? I donno.

Incidentally, does anyone know if the priest doesn't have the right intent when he consecrates the wine and wafer if it is effective? I know you need valid intent for a sacrament, which is why you can train a priest without, you know, having problems. But I seem to recall something else about the Church supplying for ministers who screw up . . . but I can't remember details.

# posted by Squach : 1:48 AM   |