What to say at Communion

[kmktexas]

As I have written before, I am living in Venezuela for several months, though my home parish is in TX. Things are a little different here.

At the Church we are attending, Father doesn’t say anything when he distribute Communion. Not “Body of Christ” or “El Cuerpo de Christi”. We also have a transitional deacon who distributes Communion (no EMHCs here ) and he says “el Cuerpo de Christi”. I have usually been able to get into the Deacon’s line (a first for me since I usually try to receive from the priest) but what am I supposed to say when Father gives me Communion?

I know it’s a silly question. After all in TLM, you don’t answer. But at least the priest says something.

If anyone has an answer, I’d appreciate it. Thanks.

 

[Marauder]

First off I would talk to the priest and ask him why he doesn’t say “The Body of Christ” in Spanish, English, Latin or some other language. He may have a reason (i.e. not sure of exact words he is supposed to say in that language.) You won’t know if you don’t ask.

IMHO, I think that if he doesn’t say anything or even if it’s not him and someone else you are receiving from forgets to say the line, just repeat the words the Priest, Deacon, EMHC, is supposed to be saying in your head and then actual say “amen” it may wake up the person.

 

[Charles]

Interestingly I attended Mass with a Polish Priest who did the same thing, however, when I was in Asia “The Body of Christ” was still said, so I can’t imagine it is normal for this to occur outside of the US.

You should still say the Amen I think. If you don’t want to approach the Priest and ask (though I bet it would be a useful conversation) why not ask the deacon? Good luck!

 

[kmktexas]

While I’d love to ask them (Priest or Deacon) I don’t speak Spanish (yet) and they don’t speak English.

 

[Marauder]

kmktexas:

While I’d love to ask them (Priest or Deacon) I don’t speak Spanish (yet) and they don’t speak English.

You could try getting someone that can translate to ask for you, but baring that you can just say the words to yourself and then say “Amen” at the appropriate time.

You shouldn’t try going over his head (i.e. to the Bishop) because common courtesy is that you first address the problem with the Priest and then if the result isn’t satisfactory you move up the chain.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

<<While I’d love to ask them (Priest or Deacon) I don’t speak Spanish (yet) and they don’t speak English. >>

Have you tried Latin?

Or as another poster said, when you come to the priest, say out loud yourself, “Corpus Christi” which means Body of Christ --in Spanish, then say, “AMEN, si?” Do it every time you go to communion. Shouldn’t take too long before he starts saying it back–at least to you.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Dang, said “spanish” when I meant to say “latin”. But seriously, good old universal Latin might do the trick even better than spanish.

 

[loyola_rambler]

In certain countries, the Church has long held that Communion was so sacred that it was silent. You’re in one of those countries that has a very strong, very old religious institution, but that also “borrows” many of its clergy to fill voids. Your priest might be of a very old school, or might even be from an order that still does it this way (Franciscans, for instance). My experience in Nicaragua was that neither priest nor communicant said anything. But listen to those around you and simply do as they do. But if that doesn’t do it, you can always go to the American consulate or embassy or to a local university where someone undoubtedly speaks English and ask them to help you get an answer to a “culturally sensitive” issue.

 

[misericordie]

Marauder:

First off I would talk to the priest and ask him why he doesn’t say “The Body of Christ” in Spanish, English, Latin or some other language. He may have a reason (i.e. not sure of exact words he is supposed to say in that language.) You won’t know if you don’t ask.

IMHO, I think that if he doesn’t say anything or even if it’s not him and someone else you are receiving from forgets to say the line, just repeat the words the Priest, Deacon, EMHC, is supposed to be saying in your head and then actual say “amen” it may wake up the person.

In any language they should say it preferably in LATIN(the Universal language of the Church) : “Corpus Christi” or, if in Spanish: “El Cuerpo de Cristo” Otherwise, he may not be saying it because simply put, he lost his faith in the real presence and actually by not saying it is in disobedience to the Church. It is not HIS option, he HAS to say it.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

<<While I’d love to ask them (Priest or Deacon) I don’t speak Spanish (yet) and they don’t speak English. >>

Have you tried Latin?

Or as another poster said, when you come to the priest, say out loud yourself, “Corpus Christi” which means Body of Christ --in Spanish, then say, “AMEN, si?” Do it every time you go to communion. Shouldn’t take too long before he starts saying it back–at least to you.

It is improper for the person receiving Communion to say “The Body of Christ”. When the Host is held up, if the priest does not say anything simply respond “AMEN” and receive.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

In the late 60’s, while mass was still in Latin, the priest said *Corpus Christi. *There is at least one recorded instance of someone replying Texas.

 

[Digitonomy]

While we’re at it, what is the traditional phrase in Spanish and other languages for “Peace be with you”?

 

[kmktexas]

Well here, at this Church, in VZ they say “Paz de Jesus” or simply “Paz”.

They start singing the Agnus Dei when the sharing the sign of peace starts so everyone hurries up and is back to attention by the time they get to the last verse.