(ZENIT News / Cascavel, Brazil, 11.07.2024).- Archbishop José Mário Scalon Angonese of Cascavel recently sparked a wave of criticism after dismissing the practice of receiving Communion on the tongue as «medieval.» During a Eucharistic celebration at Nossa Senhora Consolata Parish in Cafelândia, Paraná, the Archbishop remarked that it was «scandalous» for ministers to administer Communion in this manner, suggesting that adults should receive Communion in the hand, as he claimed was “taught by the Second Vatican Council.”
These comments ignited strong reactions from Catholic faithful across Brazil, who took to social media to share the video of the Archbishop’s remarks, decrying them as misleading and even «scandalous.» Critics highlighted that Vatican II did not, in fact, mandate Communion in the hand, nor did it discourage reception on the tongue, a practice rooted deeply in Church history and still widely accepted today.
Social Media and the Church’s Response
Following the backlash, the video was swiftly removed from the parish’s Facebook page, while the Archdiocese released a statement defending Archbishop Angonese. In the statement, local priests aligned with the Archbishop argued that his words had been taken out of context. However, social media users have continued to question the deletion, with some wondering why the video was removed if there was nothing controversial to hide. The Archdiocese also disabled comments on its Instagram post related to the incident, further fueling criticisms of censorship within the Church.
Historic Church Teachings and the Faithful’s Rights
This controversy underscores a broader issue within the Catholic Church regarding the rights of the faithful. Church documents, such as “Redemptionis Sacramentum”, emphasize that the faithful have a fundamental right to choose how they receive Communion—either on the tongue or in the hand, depending on regional customs and with appropriate pastoral guidance. Furthermore, the Congregation for Divine Worship has previously expressed concerns over any restriction that prevents a faithful Christian from receiving Communion in a preferred and legitimate manner, underscoring that such denials constitute a serious violation of their fundamental rights under Church law (CIC 213).
Balancing Tradition with Modern Catechesis
In their statement supporting the Archbishop, local priests referenced “Christus Dominus”, a Vatican II decree which highlights the episcopal duty to communicate Christian doctrine in ways suited to the times. They argued that Archbishop Angonese’s comments reflect his “catechetical and familiar approach” to reach modern audiences, though they clarified he was not asserting that Communion on the tongue is impermissible.
However, many remain skeptical, noting that statements which dismiss long-standing practices as «medieval» may undermine the respect for traditional expressions of faith. For these Catholics, such expressions are not simply relics of the past but meaningful practices that deepen their reverence for the Eucharist.
A Growing Debate on Synodality and Authority in the Church
This incident also brings to the fore concerns over the synodal nature of the modern Church, where open dialogue is encouraged, but where some feel that certain voices are being marginalized. Critics argue that true synodality should allow space for constructive dissent, especially when Church leaders address core elements of faith and worship.
As the global Church continues to navigate the complexities of upholding tradition while addressing contemporary pastoral needs, this incident in Cascavel serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing dialogue—often contentious—between modern catechetical approaches and time-honored liturgical practices. For now, Archbishop Angonese’s comments have stirred a national conversation on the balance between tradition and adaptation, one that is likely to resonate far beyond the borders of Paraná.
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