Parishes in England and Wales have received guidance from the Bishops’ Conference concerning the reception of Holy Communion under both kinds. This is what their document states.

‘Following discussions at the Bishops’ Conference, a suitable time for permission to be granted for the resumption of Holy Communion received under both kinds would be at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in Holy Week, given the theological significance of the celebration.’

Each of the liturgies of the Triduum invite us to enter more deeply and understand more fully the faith we profess. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is rich in its symbolism and powerful in its message. It is challenging to convey this concisely but I have found the words of one of the commentators on the liturgy very helpful and I hope that you do as well.

‘In the evening of Holy Thursday, we celebrate the three gifts Jesus Christ imparted to his beloved Bride the Church: the priesthood, the Eucharist and a Love that is stronger than death. In her liturgical rites, holy Church enters the upper room for the ‘Cena Domini’. He the Lord and Master of all, kneels humbly to wash the feet of the men he has called to serve. At table with his closest disciples, the Lord brings together all the sacrifices of the Old Law as he takes bread and wine and makes himself the one sacrifice of a new dispensation, the Sacrifice of his Church. Then together they go forth into the night, to the Mount of Olives, to the Garden of Gethsemane, and the drama of his Passion begins.’

Holy Communion received under both kinds is an enriching experience but we need to remember the Church’s teaching about the totality of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Lord received in either or both species. We do need to remember that we should be properly disposed to receive Holy Communion and show proper reverence to the Blessed Sacrament.