Dear John:

The norm for the universal Church is communion on the tongue. The Vatican, however, has given permission for some countries, like the big-babies of the United States, to have communion in the hand.

The reason I say "big-babies of the United States" is because the United States is the most profoundly immature nation in the world, and as a result, the U.S. has always been a real pain in the backside to the Pope.

Communion in the hand was illegally done in the United States for years. Bishops and priests were perpetrators and accomplices in this crime (sin). After years of the babies performing this illegal practice, the Pope decided that it was not worth the battle, and allowed communion in the hand on a temporary basis. This allowance has become more-or-less permanent now, but the Holy See may rescind this indulgence at any time.

We must remember, however, that while communion in the hand is allowed in the United States, we do not have to do it. I never receive in the hand -- ever.

In a similar manner there was a push to chastise the faithful, and even denying the Eucharist for those who knelt or genuflected when receiving the Eucharist. Again because we in the U.S. are a big bunch of babies, the norm for reception of the Eucharist was changed to a "bow" of the head (not even a profound bow). Again this was a battle not worth fighting for the Vatican as the "horse was already out of the barn."

When the attempt was made by many priest to prohibit the faithful from kneeling or genuflecting, and even denying them the Eucharist,  a mighty roar when up to the Vatican. The Holy See then issued a declaration that no member of the faithful is to be denied the Eucharist, or prohibited from receiving while kneeling or genuflecting and they are not to be berated for doing so.

So, we can receive on the tongue, and receive kneeling or genuflecting if we choose and no priest, or even Bishop, can tell us otherwise. (see documents)

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary