Missing graces?/Mary’s titles

Q I miss being able to receive the Blood of Christ at Mass.  Am I missing out on any graces?

A You are not missing out on any graces.  The Council of Trent, which was held in the middle of the 16th century, declared “Christ whole and entire, and a true sacrament, are received under either species alone (the consecrated host or the consecrated wine) and they, who receive one species alone, are not defrauded of any grace necessary to salvation.”

Technically, receiving the Eucharist under one species is the law.  In the early years of the church, the faithful received Communion under both species, the sacred host and the precious blood.  By the time of the Council of Trent, for various reasons, Communion to the faithful using just the consecrated host became common place.  So the Council declared that it “has approved of this custom of communicating under one species and decreed that it was to be held as a law; which it is not lawful … to change at pleasure, without the authority of the church itself.”

In 1963 the Second Vatican Council, without changing the principles laid down by the Council of Trent, declared that Communion under both kinds (or species) may be granted when the bishops see fit. In 1984, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in America decided that the policy was left to the local bishop of each diocese.

To summarize:

The Council of Trent decided three basic provisions:  Communion under one species is the law, in receiving Communion under only one species one receives all graces possible and the church has the authority to determine the best way the sacraments are to be administered.

When we receive the body of Christ under the form of the consecrated host, we receive the whole Christ (his body, blood, soul and divinity), and when we receive Communion under the form of consecrated wine we also receive the whole Christ (his body, blood, soul and divinity).  

Q Why does Mary have so many titles?

A Our Blessed Lady has more than 100 titles.  Each one sheds some light on her true identity and points to different aspects of her life.  

Some depict events in her life.  Examples:  Immaculate Conception (where Mary was conceived in her mother’s womb without original sin; Virgin Mother (she became the mother of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit).

Some show her powerful role of intercessor for us here on earth.  Examples:  Queen of Peace (we can seek her help to give us peace here on earth); Our Lady of Prompt Succor (or Quick Help), we often pray to her to protect us during hurricane season.

Some commemorate places where Mary appeared to us on earth.  Examples:  Our Lady of Lourdes (where Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, France); Our Lady of Fatima (where Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal in 1917).  

Some show some aspect of her life.  Examples: Theotokos, or “God Bearer,” reflects she was the mother of Jesus, the second person of the Holy Trinity; Our Lady of Sorrows  indicates her intense suffering and grief she experienced during her son’s Passion and death. 

Some reflect her virtues.  Examples: Mother Most Pure reflects that she remained sinless her entire life; Second Eve (Mary destroyed Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden, similar to how Jesus destroyed Adam’s disobedience). 

As you continue to honor Mary, remember what she has done for us and that she can help us in many ways.

Deacon Hooper is a deacon assistant at Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs. He can be reached at [email protected].