Bread of heaven / Liturgia condenda / 3

The way in which Christians of all times have received Communion is the subject matter of this volume. Starting as a small new religion, Christianity grew through the ages to become the world's largest religious body. This development made differences in experience and outward appearance of Communion practices inevitable. We only have to think of many different peoples that have accepted Christianity and have given it shape within the boundaries and possibilities of their own cultures. Unfortunately the differences have another side: sometimes they gave cause for misconception and mutual alienation. of Communion practices. The contributions are not only concerned with the outward forms, but also with the perceptions and experience of those who received Communion. The objective is therefore wider than the study of the theology and ecclesiastical rules about Holy Communion. Manifold questions are dealt with. Who were the faithful who received Communion ? How often did they receive ? What was the ritual framework in which they received, and in which kinds? Which changes have affected the practice and the experience of Communion ? from different churches and persuasions, a colorful group consisting of historians, theologians, liturgists and folklorists. In twelve essays the customs and practices surrounding Holy Communion are discussed according to periods in history. Liturgical Institute in Tilburg. liturgy and sacramental theology (1967-1994) and director of the Liturgical institute (1992-1994) at the Theological Faculty of Tilburg. Rouwhorst (1951) is professor of history of liturgy and theology at the Catholic Theological university in Utrecht.