St. John Bosco: The Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Protect the World

"Were it not for the Blessed Virgin and the Blessed Sacrament, the world would now be in ruins. Those who want to work in the light - that is, along the way to heaven – must draw closer to these two sources of light, or at least one of them. Those who walk away from them move in darkness and in the shadow of death."

"Trust all things to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary Help of Christians and you will see what miracles are."

~ St. John Bosco ~

~ St. John Bosco:  Related post ~

Cardinal Arinze: Eucharistic Faith and Reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament

"Our behaviour should show our faith. 

If we talk in the church as if we were in a football field, then...

we'd begin to doubt whether that person really believes."

~ Cardinal Arinze ~

Pope John Paul II: Kneel Before Jesus in the Eucharist to Make Reparation

"Let us take the time to kneel before Jesus present in the Eucharist,

in order to make reparation by our faith and love for the acts of carelessness and neglect,

and even the insults which our Saviour must endure in many parts of the world."

~ Pope John Paul II ~

Confession Before Holy Communion? Is No One Guilty of Mortal Sin Anymore?

When is the last time you heard a homily instructing the faithful about mortal sin?  I can't remember when I heard one.  CLEAR instruction on mortal sin is needed in our churches and Catholic schools!  No wonder almost every Catholic in the pews presents themselves before the Lord to receive Him in Holy Communion, and yet very few Catholics go to a priest for sacramental Confession!  How many Catholics might be leading seriously sinful lives and yet think they are good Catholics and don't hesitate to receive Holy Communion? 

From a reader in response to this post:

"A priest once told me that all sins of those present at mass are automatically forgiven at the time of uttering the words LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY SINS OF THE WORLD, HAVE MERCY ON ME. And he said all present should then receive Holy communion without confession."

Answer:  The Catholic Church is very clear that sacramental Confession is not REQUIRED before receiving Holy Communion if a person is NOT guilty of any mortal sins.  However, if a person IS guilty of mortal sin they MUST confess their sins to a priest in the sacrament of Confession/Penance and receive absolution before receiving Holy Communion. 

 The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
1457

According to the Church's command, "after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year."56 Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession.57 Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.58

1458

Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.59 Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father's mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful:60

~ Excerpt from Catechism of the Catholic Church ~

~ Catechism of the Catholic Church: Article 8 on Sin ~

Cardinal Raymond Burke: Holy Communion Kneeling and on the Tongue

 "The Holy Father is giving a very clear lesson by his own insistence that the faithful receive Communion kneeling and on the tongue. He's teaching us something. This is a decision which he obviously made with much thought and for good reasons, and so to me it's the case to teach the faithful once again about due reverence on receiving Holy Communion and to encourage them to consider a return to that traditional form of Communion kneeling and receiving Holy Communion on the tongue."

~ Cardinal Raymond Burke ~

Pope John Paul II: The Word Became Flesh and is Present Today in the Eucharist

"This is the wonderful truth, my dear friends:

the Word, which became flesh two thousand years ago,

is present today in the Eucharist."

~  Pope John Paul II ~

Too late for Christmas, but a beautiful meditation on the Word made flesh Who still dwells among us.

Blessed 2011!

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: This Bread of Angels

St. Alphonsus Liguori: A Prayer for Eucharistic Adoration