Phoenix, Ariz., Nov 16, 2011 / 12:05 pm
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted’s recent clarification on the distribution of Communion is not him backing down but is rather an expression of his ultimate desire to bring people into intimacy with Christ, says the Phoenix diocese's liturgist.
“There was nothing to backtrack from,” Father John Muir emphasized in remarks to CNA on Nov. 15. Bishop Olmsted “never said he was going to restrict communion under both kinds.”
Fr. Muir made his comments after media reports depicted Bishop Olmsted as backpedaling when he released a Nov. 7 statement to clear up confusion over how the diocese is applying the Communion norms from the 2011 General Instruction of the Roman Missal.
Numerous news articles had incorrectly reported that the number of times the Precious Blood could be offered during Mass within the U.S. Church was being reduced from 14 occasions to only three.