Cardinal Arinze Explains Reasons for Instruction on Eucharist

"The Greatest Treasure the Church Has"

VATICAN CITY, MAY 26, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Francis Arinze minces no words when it comes to the Blessed Sacrament.


Q: In the United States, but also in Europe, a great debate erupted over the consistency of Catholic politicians. There are several cases in which politicians declare themselves Catholics and then vote on laws and make statements in clear contrast with Church teachings, as is obvious in the case of the support of laws that facilitate abortion, euthanasia, homosexual marriages, and the spread of anti-life contraceptive schemes. Access by these public personages to the Eucharist creates scandal among the faithful. Does the instruction address this problem? What are the indications furnished on this matter by the dicastery over which you preside?

Cardinal Arinze: Moral theology and canon law explain which Catholics may and which may not receive holy Communion.

The instruction "Redemptionis Sacramentum" mentions some of these details in paragraphs 81 and 82, but does not examine the question you pose in a direct way. It is for the bishops in each diocese and country to explain to their people this discipline and the doctrine that gives origin to it.

"The Holy Eucharist is the greatest treasure that the Church has on earth: It is Christ himself," said the prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.

"Is it any wonder if the Church is careful to protect and guard the celebration of this august mystery?" he asked.

Zenit Article.

Moral theology and canon law explain which Catholics may and which may not receive holy Communion. It is for the bishops in each diocese and country to explain to their people this discipline and the doctrine that gives origin to it. Some bishops get it...others, unfortunately, either don't or choose to ignore it while allowing the scandals to continue. May God have mercy on them!