FAITH HOME |
Teachings
![]() |
Catholic
Q&A ![]() |
Devotions
![]() |
Bulletin
Board ![]() |
Prayer
Intention Cards ![]() |
EWTNKids |
EWTN Mini Sites
![]() |
Traditional Mass Resources |
Saints |
Post a question to any of our Catholic experts |
Search previously asked questions |
Faith FAQs |
Ask a new question |
Our Catholic experts |
----------
Forums ---------- ![]() |
Post a request for the prayers of others or an announcement of an upcoming Catholic event. |
Read Prayer Requests |
Read Event Announcements |
Post a New Item |
Pontificate of John Paul II |
Great Jubilee |
John Paul II In The Americas |
Papal Visit to the Holy Land |
Papal Visit to Cuba |
World Youth Day 2000 in Rome |
Holy Father With Families |
A sampling of books written by Mother Angelica. |
Fruits of His Love |
His Pain Like Mine |
In His Sandals |
Jesus Needs Me |
Living the Way Of The Cross |
Marriage |
My Life In The Rosary |
Spiritual Hangovers |
The Promised Woman |
TELEVISION HOME | Channel Finder |
EWTN
Prime ![]() |
Program Schedules |
Television Specials |
Television Series |
Live TV |
NEWS HOME |
Headlines |
The World Over |
Seen & Unseen |
Joan's Rome |
Power & Witness |
A Catholic Journalist in London |
EWTN Live |
Mother Angelica Classics |
Life on the Rock |
The Journey Home |
The World Over |
Sunday Night Prime |
RADIO HOME |
Program Schedule |
Stations
![]() |
Listen Live |
Open Line |
SW Frequency Guide |
Listening Advice |
SW Monitoring Form |
PILGRIMAGES HOME |
OLAM Shrine |
Eucharistic Pilgrimages |
Welcome |
Pilgrimage Schedule |
Live Show Tickets |
Lodging |
Maps |
Essentials |
Picture Gallery |
GENERAL INFO HOME |
Search
![]() |
What's New |
Site Map |
Donations |
To Volunteer |
Email Addresses |
Mailing Lists |
Press Releases |
Mother Angelica Update |
Frequently Asked Questions |
++ Home Page ++ |
Link to EWTN |
|
||||||||
I know that it is part of canon law that we must fast for 1 hour before receiving Holy Communion. I have also heard of the idea of not eating anything for 15 minutes AFTER receiving Holy Communion. Is this second item also part of canon law, or is an optional devotional practice? Thank you. |
||||||||
Answer by Colin B. Donovan, STL on 3/14/2017: | ||||||||
It is not explicitly a matter of the law, it follows from the Church's teaching about the Eucharist. We fast before receiving so as not to receive Jesus while still full of ordinary food. After we have consumed the Host, the Church's teaching is that Christ is Present as long as the "accidents," or characteristics, of bread and/or wine remain. This is likely at least 10 minutes to as long as 15. We show our respect for Him by making a Thanksgiving and not eating for that time. By the time Communion finishes and the Mass is ended probably most of that time has passed, so it is not really much of a burden to wait a few minutes more. Sine the Church understands human nature she makes allowances for those who are sick or frail. Before Communion the law is reduced to 15 minutes, and even 0 if necessary. Likewise, afterwards. If you can't wait 10-15 minutes after Communion for a just reason, such as having low blood sugar, you may. |
||||||||
|
|