I am publicly posting my letter, here, for three reasons:

• What is referenced is a good practice.
• It has not been published in the letters to the editor section of the NCR print newspaper (to which I subscribe) as of October 22^nd of the same year, 2024.
• Perhaps it is controversial, which makes it material for this website.

I hope my words can be of benefit to some.

Note: the online version of the article seems to be the same but is entitled, “Looking for a Way to Love Our Eucharistic Lord? Learn at the School of Mary.”
https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/school-of-mary-corpus-christi

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Letter to the Editor, National Catholic Register, June 21 of 2024

Dear NCR, I enjoyed Fr. Kirby’s article on page 9 of the recent June 2 -15 issue, entitled, “Learn to Love the Eucharist at the School of Mary.” One thing I might add to such reflections is the ability to cradle Jesus like Mary would have as a baby, via our receiving Holy Communion in the hand. Many are familiar with the image of placing the left hand over the right hand in order to make a throne for our Lord. Well, here is a variation on that which your readers might benefit from: We, too, can hold–and kiss–the baby Jesus, isn’t that wonderful!?!  One will want to be careful, of course, just like when holding a physical baby. But, by taking precautions and doing it in a non-rushed manner you will be fine.

First, maintaining the same  posture and position, accept the Host from the priest or EME, then take  two or three steps to the side, and while still facing forward toward the altar, pause to look down lovingly at Jesus present in your hands as Mary must have done, countless times. Just before consuming the Host, you can give Jesus a quick kiss while in the palm, receive, then scan for stray particles, and pick up any you see with your tongue.

Note: lipstick, Chapstick, and lip balm are no-nos; also, don’t lick your lips before receiving as any of these things will cause the Host stick to the lips–not only making it hard to then receive, but placing you at risk of dropping the Host, and thereby totally blowing the imagery.

Finally,  quickly leave the front of the altar area without disturbing anyone and without holding up the return line. It isn’t the time for a long meditation. All of this takes but a couple seconds longer than normal. I have been doing it for years and highly recommend the practice as another way people can show devotion to our Eucharistic Lord. God bless,

Mark LaPointe