Communion on the hand, though permitted by an indult in most places, is appalling and a major factor in the statistically confirmed plummet in belief by Catholics in the Church’s teachings on the Eucharist. As soon as possible, Communion on the hand should be eliminated, especially by persuasion and teaching.
Summorum Pontificum and Universae Ecclesiae require that Communion by distributed only on the tongue in the traditional, “Extraordinary” Form.
HOWEVER, is there a loophole for Communion in the hand at the TLM?
There is, in fact, a scenario in which traditional liturgical law itself REQUIRES Communion in the hand in the TLM!
In the De Defectibus section at the front of the Missale Romanum we read, ““Si [hostia aut particula] super vestes mulieris cadat, ipsa particulam accipiat et sumat… If [a Host or particle] should fall onto the clothing of a woman, let she herself take and consume the particle].” This is also the case when a Host is – probably accidentally – dropped into a women’s clothing rather than onto… into a woman’s décolletage. “Onto the clothing”, because she is modestly covered. Right? But… if not?
Two options. Given the Décolletage Factor, Father could either take the plunge or, otherwise, the woman can self-communicate.
Given the amusement potential for nearly everyone present, the Roman Rite opts for the later.
Whether or not this provides an adequate precedent for widespread distribution of Communion on the hand at the TLM or not is a matter for further stimulating debate.
Some might argue that the Roman Rite is sexist in this regard.
Just trying to keep you abreast of the issues.
UPDATE:
If you who know some Latin and French want to have a real laugh, here is something I posted back in 2016. The brilliant Archbp. Léonard speaks to seminarians (I think) imitating the Latin lectures of the past in Rome and some famous profs of the Gregorian University, such as Fuchs (whom I knew) Gautier and Lonergan. It’s hilarious, especially if you studied in Rome. He riffs on the famous Mouse v Host scenario juxtaposed with the Décolletage Factor beginning at about 14:25 onward.
