Recently when I attended Mass at a church in the East District,
it was made known to the congregation that Holy Communion would not
be given on the tongue and when it was given on the hand, it would
be done with no physical contact made between the priest and the
communicant. This according to the young priest was an edict from
the Archbishop in order to prevent any outbreak of the Hand, Foot
and Mouth Disease (HFMD) here.
During communion time, I observed that the priest took the
precaution of avoiding physical contact when giving Holy Communion
to communicants on the hand. It appeared awkward as if he was
giving a piece of wafer to lepers. I could understand his action if
we stood in danger of an imminent Ebola outbreak in which case
Catholics would abstain from receiving Communion or even stay at
home
What has happened to our faith in Gods providence? Has it withered
in the face of the threat from the HFMD?
Dont we any longer believe in the power of the Body of Christ to
protect and preserve us from all evil and harm?
It was ironic - after what had transpired - to hear the priest
utter the Prayer after Communion: Lord, may we always receive the
protection of this sacrifice. May it keep us safe from all harm. I
found it hard to reconcile his words with his action.
Many Catholics are upset over this matter. They feel that the
Catholic Church in Singapore should not over-react but continue to
give Holy Communion either on the tongue or the hand, fully
believing that Jesus own Body will keep us safe from all
harm.
If it is any consolation, perhaps one solution that may help the
priests to continue giving Holy Communion on the communicants
tongue without them touching the mouth or tongue is to have
slightly larger hosts.
Surely, there are unsuspecting ways the HFMD can be transmitted in
church even after taking every possible
precaution. If we as a faith community do not trust in Gods
providence and protection it will be better for all Catholics to
stay at home until it is safe for them to return to church.
Nelson Quah