Father Edward McNamara answers questions about Communion to the sick

Father Edward McNamara explained that current liturgical norms do not require the use of candles when transporting the Eucharist from a church to a home or hospital room.

McNamara, a Legionary of Christ and professor of liturgy and sacramental theology at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum University, addressed these questions in response to an inquiry from Wagga Wagga, Australia. He noted that while older religious art often depicts candles being carried by servers during this rite, modern regulations do not mandate them for the journey.

According to the ritual for the pastoral care of the sick, the Eucharist should be carried in a pyx or another small, closed container. McNamara noted that the ritual instructs those present with the sick to prepare a table covered with a linen cloth for the Blessed Sacrament.