Communion under one species

[Ora_et_Labora_1]

How did the practice of communion under one species come about in the Roman Church? I know intinction is allowed, but it’s not too common I think. The only times I’ve seen it, it’s not even done according to canon law (the communicants themselves self-intinct). Anyway, I was just curious how it came about? Was it in reaction to some heresy?

 

[neophyte]

I’ve heard that it was indeed started in response to a heresy which held that the whole substance of Christ is not present in each specie, but that you have to receive both in order to receive Christ fully.

 

[Bookcat]

From Catholic Answers:

"There have been times throughout history where the distribution of Communion has been limited to one form for reasons of practicality or to combat heresy. In the early Church, for example, where the Eucharist was received generally under both kinds on Sundays, Communion under the form of bread alone allowed for daily reception where Mass was not possible. Likewise, beginning in the late 1200s, distribution of Communion under one form only was required in order to combat the heretical teaching of some that reception under both kinds was necessary in order to receive the whole Christ. "

catholic.com/thisrock/2000/0001qq.asp

Communion under both kinds is permitted …but it is not done everywhere…