Here’s some interesting information to put things into perspective and compare where-we-once-were to where-we-are-today. Here are the rubrics for taking Holy Communion to the sick as they were printed in 1964. Now, I want to caution people that I seriously doubt that all these rubrics were actually being followed on a day-by-day basis. And perhaps it’s a good thing that the Church has changed the rubrics so that they no longer express things that were not happening anyway. Nevertheless, it’s an interesting read:
- As the pastor proceeds to take communion to one who is sick, he will by ringing the church bells, assemble some of his parishioners, either the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament (where this organization is in existence) or some other pious faithful, so that they can accompany the holy Eucharist carrying candles or torches, as well as the umbella or canopy if such is available. He will have given notice beforehand that the sickroom be in order, and that there be prepared therein a table covered with clean linen on which the most holy sacrament can be placed with propriety.
- The following articles should be in readiness in the sickroom: lighted candles, two vessels–one containing water, the other wine, a linen cloth to be placed under the chin of the communicant, and whatever else will fittingly enhance the room, depending on the peoples’ circumstances.
- As soon as the escort for the Blessed Sacrament is assembled the priest vests in surplice and stole, or even in white cope; and likewise vested in surplice are the acolytes or clerics or priests (if they customarily assist) who will accompany him. Then with due reverence he takes some particles (only one, if he is to travel by a long or difficult route) from the ciborium and puts them in a pyx or small receptacle which he closes firmly and covers with a silk veil. Having received the humeral veil over his shoulders, he now takes in both hands the receptacle with the sacrament, and proceeds on the way, walking bareheaded below the umbella or canopy.
- At the head of the procession there should always be an acolyte or other server who carries the lantern (the sacrament may not be carried thus at night, except in case of necessity). Following next are two clerics or their substitutes, one of whom carries the holy water with aspersory, the burse containing the corporal to be used in covering the table upon which the Blessed Sacrament will be placed in the sickroom, and the linen purificator for wiping the priest’s fingers; the other carries the Ritual and the little bell which he rings continually. Then follow the torchbearers; and lastly the priest, holding the sacrament elevated before his breast and reciting the “Miserere” or other psalms and canticles. Should the journey be long or difficult, and even perhaps made on horseback, it will be necessary that the receptacle with the sacrament be securely encased in a beautifully made burse, and this fastened to the neck and secured at the breast, so as to prevent the sacrament from falling or being shaken out of the pyx.
source:
sanctamissa.org/en/resources/books-1962/rituale-romanum/21-the-sacrament-of-the-holy-eucharist-communion-of-the-sick.html
