The Archbishop of Kampala has forbidden receiving Holy Communion in the hand.

In a decree issued on Saturday, 1 February, Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga also forbade the celebration of Mass in buildings other than churches. He also reminded Catholics that members of the faithful who have not been designated extraordinary ministers by the competent authority may not distribute Communion.

“Henceforth, it is forbidden to distribute or to receive Holy Communion in the hands,” the archbishop wrote. “Mother Church enjoins us to hold the Most Holy Eucharist in the highest honor (Can. 898). Due to many reported instances of dishonoring the Eucharist that have been associated with reception of the Eucharist in the hands, it is fitting to return to the more reverent method of receiving the Eucharist on the tongue.”

Ugandan news outlet PML Daily says that many Catholics had been holding Masses in their homes, however the new rules state: “The Eucharist is henceforth to be celebrated in designated sacred places since there is an adequate number of such designated places in the Archdiocese for that purpose.”

Archbishop Lwanga also issued guidance on Extraordinary Ministers, reminding Catholics that bishops, priests and deacons should normally distribute Communion, adding that it is “forbidden for a member of the faithful who has not been designated as an extraordinary Minister of Communion (Can. 910§2) by the competent ecclesiastical authority to distribute Holy Communion.

“Moreover, before distributing Holy Communion, the extraordinary Minister must first receive Holy Communion from the Ordinary Minister,” the archbishop added.

The archbishop also called for priests to wear the correct vestments at Mass and while distributing Communion. “It is strictly forbidden to admit as a co-celebrant any priest who is not properly vested in the prescribed liturgical vestments,” he said. “Such a priest should neither concelebrate nor assist at the distribution of Holy Communion. He should also not sit in the sanctuary but rather take his seat among the faithful in the congregation.”