Four bishops, several priests, and lay scholars have signed (all names below) a statement rebuking Francis for a recent statement about the reception of Holy Communion (LifeSiteNews.com, September 15).
The bishops are Strickland, 63, (Tyler, Texas), Gracida, 99, (Corpus Christi, Texas), Mutsaerts, 64, (S’Hertogenbosch, Netherlands), Schneider, 61, (Astana, Kazakhstan).
Francis claims in Desiderio desideravi (June 29) that everyone should receive Communion.
The signatories reply that Francis omitted the “essential topic of repentance for sin for the worthy reception of the Eucharist.”
They explain to Francis that Catholics must receive sacramental absolution for any mortal sin before receiving Communion.
If a sacramental confession is not possible, but the reception of Holy Communion urgent such as for a priest celebrating Mass, the Sacrament of Penance has to be sought as soon as possible afterwards.
Francis statement that faith alone is sufficient for receiving Holy Communion “contradicts …More