Interviewer: Father Mark Christ wrote a book called The Horror of the Profanation of the Most Holy Eucharist, documenting a largely North American practice of disposing of the remaining Precious Blood after Holy Communion into aquariums. This practice is strictly prohibited and incurs an automatic penalty of excommunication according to Canon Law and Redemptionis Sacramentum. Where does this practice originate? Why might there be opposition to Father Christ’s efforts? Can you provide some insights on Communion under both species?
Bishop Athanasius Schneider: Firstly, this practice is a profanation of the Blessed Sacrament. It is absolutely horrible and must be stopped. The bishop, the ordinary, must intervene, and Rome may need to act as well.
I suspect that some of the people committing this act may not fully believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. They may think the wine is merely wine, or that Christ is only present at the moment of communion, similar to Lutheran or Calvinist beliefs. If that is their mindset, it could explain their behavior, though it is still deeply wrong. When there is no intentional profanation, automatic excommunication does not apply. The Church considers intent in these matters.
Regarding Communion under both species, it is fairly widespread in the United States but much less so in Europe. Unfortunately, this practice has produced negative effects: it increases the risk of profanation of the Blessed Sacrament. The Eucharist is the greatest treasure of the Church, and it cannot be exposed to such dangers.
The distribution of the Precious Blood in some cases has become almost banal, resembling cafeteria service, especially when given by extraordinary ministers. This diminishes the sense of sacredness and the sublimity of the moment. Studies and observations indicate that this so-called practice under both species has produced more negative effects than positive. There is, however, a proper way for Communion under both kinds: the priest can intend the consecrated host and then distribute the Precious Blood in a controlled manner, using a purificator or cloth to prevent the loss of any drops.
Interviewer: It must be the priest performing the action, not the faithful?
Bishop Athanasius Schneider: Exactly. Only the priest or deacon may perform this. The faithful cannot distribute the Eucharist under either species—that is explicitly prohibited by the Church (Redemptionis Sacramentum). When properly carried out by the priest or deacon, with attention to the sacredness of the moment and protection of the Precious Blood, Communion under both species can be done without profanation.