After a standard editorial review process by the Secretariat of Divine Worship, along with additional dialogue with the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, a timeline has been set for the implementation of Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery outside Mass (HCWEMOM), and was issued on January 25, 2024 in a decree of promulgation by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, USCCB President.
The Holy See confirmed HCWEMOM for liturgical use in the United States on March 7, 2023 (Prot. n. 99/22); the text was received by the USCCB the following month and announced in the May-June 2023 Newsletter. Several U.S. adaptations were approved, almost all of them found in the Order of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction in chapter III.
The goal of the adaptations is to harmonize the book with existing customs for Eucharistic Adoration in this country, for example:
- No. 92—a rubric has been added to officially permit the priest or deacon to wear a white cope for Exposition;
- Nos. 93 and 97—the lyrics of the traditional hymns O salutaris Hostia and Tantum ergo Sacramentum, in Latin and English, have been inserted; other Eucharistic hymns may continue to be used;
- No. 96—clarifying instructions have been added for praying the Liturgy of the Hours during Adoration, especially Morning and Evening Prayer;
- No. 99—the text of the Divine Praises has been inserted for use during Benediction;
- No. 100—in addition to saying an acclamation, the people may alternatively sing a hymn as the minister withdraws after Benediction.
Ritual editions will go on sale beginning August 1, 2024, and its optional use will be permitted as of September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The obligatory-use date of HCWEMOM has been established for the United States as the First Sunday of Advent, December 1.
Five publishers will produce liturgical books: Catholic Book Publishing Co., Liturgical Press, Liturgy Training Publications, Magnificat, and Midwest Theological Forum, and further information on their editions will be released in a future Newsletter.
–from the US Bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship Newsletter, January 2024
Image Source: AB/Lawrence OP on Flickr
