Secondum Probatum (According to the tradition of the Church), the new decree issued on April 13 with the approval of Pope Francis by the Roman Dicastery for the Clergy, reminds us what the Holy Qurbana intention is and the guidelines for accepting it. This decree is based on the 1991 decree Mos Iugiter, which dealt with various matters related to the offering of the Holy Qurbana, the monetary contributions given by the faithful for it, and the celebration of Holy Qurbana with multiple intentions, as well as current canonical law. The intention of this decree is truly commendable: to safeguard the dignity and spiritual integrity of the sacrament of Holy Qurbana according to the Church’s tradition, to ensure more transparency and clarity in the Church regarding Qurbana offerings, and to assure the faithful of proper handling of their contributions related to Qurbana intentions.
As a response to the observations, questions, and requests received from bishops, priests, ordinary faithful, individuals, and religious communities from different parts of the world regarding the Holy Qurbana intentions, this Dicastery, after a thorough examination of all aspects of the issue and extensive consultations with other concerned Dicasteries, became convinced of the need for new guidelines and has issued the following:
Holy Qurbana Intention
Based on the scriptural verse “Those who serve at the altar share what is offered on the altar” (1 Cor 9:13), the offering given by the people of God for the celebration of the Holy Qurbana is the Qurbana intention. Thus, this decree reminds that the faithful who contribute an offering for the celebration of the Holy Qurbana are participating more intimately in the Holy Qurbana by making a personal sacrifice, and at the same time, they are cooperating with the needs of the Church and contributing to the sustenance of those who serve in the Church.
Qurbana Records Must Be Accurate and Transparent
When receiving offerings for Holy Qurbana intentions, bishops and vicars have the responsibility to ensure that it is properly recorded and that the corresponding Holy Qurbanas are actually celebrated. In accordance with this, many eparchies already have the practice that during the annual retreat (parish level), priests submit their properly recorded Qurbana intention register for the bishop’s approval. Only one Qurbana intention may be accepted per day.
One Qurbana and Multiple Intentions
A priest celebrating the Holy Qurbana is permitted to accept offerings in the form of Qurbana intention money with the understanding that the Holy Qurbana is offered for the intention entrusted to him. However, from now on, the practice of offering one Holy Qurbana for multiple intentions is permitted only under stricter conditions. When accepting money for such Qurbanas, the faithful must be clearly informed. Their contribution can only be accepted for a Holy Qurbana with multiple intentions if they give their free and informed consent. Through this rule, the Church aims to ensure that the rule of offering one Holy Qurbana per individual intention is respected and to reduce the excessive practice of celebrating one Qurbana for multiple intentions.
Other Rules
The money given by the faithful to priests for the intention of Holy Qurbana should not take on the nature of a commercial transaction.
In addition to the amount fixed by the eparchial bishop for the administration of sacraments, the minister should not demand anything more.
The denial of sacramental help to the most needy due to poverty must always be avoided. Therefore, priests must be willing to offer Holy Qurbana for the intentions of the poor even without accepting any offering.
Eparchies should cultivate the practice of transferring surplus Holy Qurbana intentions and the funds received for them to mission areas or other parishes in difficulty.
Rev. Dr. Bilju Vazhapilly
