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| Karol Wojtyła, 1979, Kraków |
The Catholic faithful, therefore, while respecting the religious convictions of these separated brethren, must refrain from receiving the communion distributed in their celebrations, so as not to condone an ambiguity about the nature of the Eucharist and, consequently, to fail in their duty to bear clear witness to the truth. This would result in slowing the progress being made towards full visible unity. Similarly, it is unthinkable to substitute for Sunday Mass ecumenical celebrations of the word or services of common prayer with Christians from the aforementioned Ecclesial Communities, or even participation in their own liturgical services. Such celebrations and services, however praiseworthy in certain situations, prepare for the goal of full communion, including Eucharistic communion, but they cannot replace it.
The fact that the power of consecrating the Eucharist has been entrusted only to Bishops and priests does not represent any kind of belittlement of the rest of the People of God, for in the communion of the one body of Christ which is the Church this gift redounds to the benefit of all.
- Pope Saint John Paul II, Ecclesia De Eucharistia
2 comments:
It no longer seems to matter what Saint JP II taught; it is being undone by the 'new pastoral' direction of the 'c'hurch.
M. Prodigal, that's a strong criticism consider that both St. JP II and Pope Benedict gave communion at least on occasion to protestants (Brother Roger of the Taize community)
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