Sick, Communion Of The
Sick, Communion of the
In accord with the recommendation of frequent Communion, the sick are to be given Holy Communion, not only in danger of death and in order to fulfill the Paschal precept, but as often as they reasonably ask for the sacrament. Public conveyance is the right of the pastor, but Communion may be brought privately by any priest. In public conveyance, as described in the ritual, the priest is vested and accompanied by ministers with lights. This is customary except in certain countries. Due reverence and respect are observed in private conveyance, and in the actual administration, the priest is properly vested. The state of grace is required in the sick as the proper disposition of soul. It is permissible for those who have been ill for a month without certain hope of speedy recovery to receive Holy Communion, at the advice of the confessor, once or twice a week, after they have taken medicine, even if solid, or some liquid food. They may communicate the other days fasting. The sick chamber should be neatly arranged and near the bed a small table covered with a white cloth, with a crucifix , two candles, a small vessel of clean water, Holy Water and sprinkler, and communion card.
Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary
Sick, Communion Of The
is the celebration of the Lord’s supper in a private house for the benefit of one so ill as to be unable to attend the church. Of this there are many instances in antiquity. Paulinus, bishop of Nola, caused the eucharist to be celebrated in his own chamber a few hours before his death. Gregory Nazianzen informs us that his father communicated in his own chamber; and Ambrose is said to have administered the sacrament in a private house in Rome. It has been the constant usage of the Christian Church to permit persons dangerously sick to receive the sacrament in their own homes. The Church of England has a special office for the communion of the sick..