Fasting before Holy Communion

Fasting before Holy Communion Question from on 05-31-2007:

We have two different answers from reliable sources: our parish priest who is authorized to declare writings to be "without error," and a professor in the Pontifical college in Rome who cited canon law but teaches something else. Question: My wife and I are both over 60 years old. Does the one hour fast before Holy Communion apply? Does this issue depend on the local bishop?

Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 06-02-2007:

I don't know how there can be a difference of opinion, and the law is same throughout the Latin Church. The law is very clear: "Canon 919, §1. A person who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before holy communion from any food and drink, except for only water and medicine. §2. A priest who celebrates the Most Holy Eucharist two or three times on the same day can take something before the second or third celebration even if there is less than one hour between them. §3. The elderly, the infirm, and those who care for them can receive the Most Holy Eucharist even if they have eaten something within the preceding hour." The debate you are citing seems to be about the third section. This is not merely based on a certain age but implies a certain frailty or physical deterioration. If someone is 60 and healthy, I hardly think that this exception not binding them to fast for an hour is meant to apply. Not eating for an hour before Holy Communion is not a very strict fast. I would interpret the entire canon with reason. If someone needs to take medicine before Mass, and the medicine needs to be taken with food, then the food would be considered part of the medicine and not a violation of the fast. I have also given altar servers who got faint during major Masses (Christmas, Easter) gatorade just before so that they didn't faint with the crowds of people, incense, etc. I did say to them that this was an exception to the law, giving them gatorade while explaining the law that normally applied. So the canon needs to be interpreted with reason, not scrupulosity. And one needs to keep in mind the purpose of the law -- to serve as a reminder that one need to prepare one's heart, mind, body and soul for the reception of the Most Holy Eucharist.

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