Barnabo, Alexander Cardinal, Rome, Italy, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1859 February 25

The cardinal says that while all holy things are to be treated as such, this is especially true of what is essentially holy, such as the Holy Eucharist. But since a report has been made that some priests carry the Eucharist with them from morning to night in case they should happen upon someone dangerously ill, the Council thought that they should write the Metropolitans that this custom is condemned. Some Archbishops were shocked at the idea, but others admitted the existence of certain cases of the practice. As a result the Fathers of the Council on September 28, 1859, meeting formally, decreed certain regulations concerning the proper care of the Holy Eucharist, and the elimination of these abuses. They note that by frequent celebration of the Mass, the Eucharist would be available for others for many days at a time. Also the priests are to promise to have proper receptacles for the preservation of the Sacred Species. The Holy Eucharist for urgent cases only can be carried on the breast of the priest in a proper receptacle. This is to be decreed in the Provincial Councils and by the Bishops in their own dioceses. On October 3 the Holy Father approved this decree in an audience. No. 1, Signed by Archbishop Cajetan Bedini, Archbishop of Thebes, as Secretary. Enclosed is a list of 6 rulings on these matters including doubts on these matters proposed to the Sacred Congregation, and the decisions, and quotations of certain authorities on the subject. :: V-2-a Printed D.S. Latin 3pp. 4to.