March 3, 2022
Prot. No. 250/1/22
Circ. No. 22.18
In my letter of 28 May 2021 (Prot. No. 356/1/21; Cir. No. 21.16), I reinstated the obligation for all to attend Divine Liturgy on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligations on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Sunday June 27, 2021, I also stated the following:
Barring anything unforeseen, we hope to return to the normal exchange of the Greeting of Peace and totally eliminate Holy Communion in the hand, as of August 15, 2021, the Feast of the Assumption.
The Delta, then Omicron variants of the Corona Virus became that “unforeseen” situation. Thus, I have waited until it was safer to return to our ancient practice of communion on the tongue by intinction under both species.
On the Feast of Saint Joseph, March 19, 2022, I ask all pastors to return to this practice and no longer give Holy Communion in the hand. Likewise, the sign of peace is to be returned in the customary way.
I thank the priests once again for their faithful service as true pastors during these difficult times.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Gregory
