19th century recommendation for sacraments once a month?

[otjm]

I have been reading a 19th century manual on how to increase devotion that was written by clergy and signed by a bishop. What really struck me is that the book recommends that devoted Catholics approach the sacraments once a month. Now, I understand that Confession is still recommended once a month (and right away when in serious sin), but Communion?? I think now it is recommended as often as possible, even every day if one can, but at least once a week on Sunday Mass, no? Does anyone know what possible reasons could have been for such infrequent recommendation? And how on earth could a 19th century devoted Catholic go without a Communion for a whole month? Thanks in advance for your thoughts and answers.

There were two issues: one was the heresy of Jansenism; the other was what was a hard fast, from midnight. The former had more impact, though subtle; the latter was tough if Mass was late morning.

Jansenism reigned rather strongly for a good part of the 17th and 18th centuries, and the effect of it dragged on in some circles for a long time after.

 

[ProVobis]

I don’t understand this push for frequent communion. At the English Masses I’ve attended almost everyone receives or takes communion. No lack of communicants here.