From Mrs J F Skinner SIR – The nuns at my convent school and the priest at Sunday school used to say that the Holy Eucharist was so precious and special that only the priest was allowed to touch it. The priest at “the Lavabo” washes his fingers before giving Holy Communion. Those in the congregation who wish to receive the Body of Christ may have clean hands before leaving home but what have they touched en route to the church? Apart from door or car handles, they may have stroked an animal, scratched their heads or noses and even Mass books, sheets and pews are not germ free. We were also taught to bow our heads or genuflect at “...and was made Man” in the Creed and were also taught to bow our heads at the name of Jesus.
Yours faithfully, JEAN SKINNER Birstall, Leicester