Special "straw-like" instrument that can be used to receive the Precious Blood?

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whosebob

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I remember reading on EWTN.com some time ago, that a special “straw-like” instrument, made of metal I believe, can be used to distribute the Precious Blood to individuals who (1) can’t receive the consecrated host, or even a small part of it, for some serious reason and (2) cannot receive from the chalice in the normal manner that one drinks from a cup, again for some serious physiological reason. But I can’t remember the name of it, nor can I find the web page again that described it.

I have a friend whose face is disfigured from cancer surgery that removed a large portion of his jaw bone. Also, the radiation treatment burned out his salivary glands. So far, he has received Holy Communion twice by intinction, that is by receiving a small fraction of the consecrate host dipped into the Precious Blood. But swallowing this has still proved to be a problem for him. So it would be much better for him to receive only the Precious Blood – but he drinks all liquids (sodas, water, whatever) using a straw.

I suggested to our priests that they could seek approval for him to use this special kind of straw. But they had no idea what I was talking about, and my friend is too embarassed to push the issue. He just came recently back to an active practice of the Faith after a forty year abscence – praised be Jesus Christ!

If any of the forum participants can point me in the right direction, I would like to find out the details surrounding use of this special straw and present the relevant printed materials to my pastors.

Thanks for your help.

In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
 
It is made of gold, silver or gold plated silver and is called a “Pipet”? It was used to give infants Holy Communion after Baptism until the 11th century. It is found today in the Eastern Church and not the Roman Rite. Also a small gold spoon was used for intinction.
 
Br. Rich SFO:
It is made of gold, silver or gold plated silver and is called a “Pipet”? It was used to give infants Holy Communion after Baptism until the 11th century. It is found today in the Eastern Church and not the Roman Rite. Also a small gold spoon was used for intinction.
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Could permission be obtained for my friend, or someone in his situation, to receive the Precious Blood via pipet (alternate spelling is “pipette” according to the dictionary)?
 
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whosebob:
Could permission be obtained for my friend, or someone in his situation, to receive the Precious Blood via pipet (alternate spelling is “pipette” according to the dictionary)?
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Yes of course or the spoon could be used. Keep in mind only the priest can distribute Holy Communion this way.
 
Br. Rich SFO:
Yes of course or the spoon could be used. Keep in mind only the priest can distribute Holy Communion this way.
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I believe a deacon can as well.
 
The Latin name for the little pipette thingy is “fistula”—the Pope receives the Precious Blood through a golden “fistula” when he communes at St. Peter’s. I think the old Catholic Dictionary [1940] says that this is the only surviving example of this usage. It does make sense to revive it for folks like your friend who otherwise cannot receive the Precious Blood
 
As far as I know an EMHC could also give Communion in this manner.

And a person can be commissioned and EMHC if needed to give Communion to a single person. We sometimes commission a husband or wife to take Communion to a homebound spouse.
 
Joe Kelley:
As far as I know an EMHC could also give Communion in this manner.

And a person can be commissioned and EMHC if needed to give Communion to a single person. We sometimes commission a husband or wife to take Communion to a homebound spouse.
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I believe that even a Deacon cannot offer Holy Communion by Intinction, only a priest and no EMHC is ever allowed to carry the Precious Blood only the Host to a sick person.
 
Br. Rich SFO:
I believe that even a Deacon cannot offer Holy Communion by Intinction, only a priest and no EMHC is ever allowed to carry the Precious Blood only the Host to a sick person.
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I have several times taken the Precious Blood to a sick person at my pastor’s direction. Do you have a reference I can quote to him?
 
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