Issue: When was Communion in the hand first permitted? Response: In 1969 Memoriale Domini provided for the reception of Communion in the hand in limited areas and under special circumstances. Then, in the 1973 instruction Immensae Caritatis, the Church granted wider permission because many episcopal conferences had asked for permission to allow Communion in the hand. Discussion: The first document on receiving Communion in the hand, Memoriale Domini (Instruction on the Manner of Distributing Holy Communion), was issued in 1969. Memoriale Domini for the most part reported the votes of Latin Rite bishops worldwide who mostly favored retaining the traditional … Continue reading →