History of Frequent Communion

[salvereginadude]

Before the great advocate of the Eucharist, St. Pius X, I’ve heard that it was uncommon for people to receive Holy Communion frequently but only on great Feasts such as Christmas, Easter, the Assumption; etc. Actually, through researching a project about the Counter-Reformation it was said that during the Middle Ages the laity hardly ever received the Eucharist and that Holy Communion was only a privilege of the priests and religious. How accurate is this and at what point did all people actively become part in receiving the Eucharist at Mass? I know during the early Church liturgies the Eucharist, being in a meal setting, was almost more communal than it is now. What happened?

 

[otjm]

Among other things, Jansenism. Althogh it had been condemned before Pius X, it was still lingering on.

 

[Evan]

Actually, through researching a project about the Counter-Reformation it was said that during the Middle Ages the laity hardly ever received the Eucharist and that Holy Communion was only a privilege of the priests and religious.

I don’t think your phrasing is quite right. It was not reserved for the priests.

The laity had come to feel unworthy to recieve the Body and Blood. To encourage MORE frequent reception, the Church added a precept the the faithful MUST (if possible) recieve at least once between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday! This law is still in effect.