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33 BCE
The Last Supper
Jesus initiates the Last Supper – the first ever recorded "Breaking of Bread", i.e. the body and blood of Christ. -
150
The First Eucharistic Tradition
At this time, Eucharistic mass was mandatory on Sundays, and those who could not participate were delivered the Eucharist that day by the Church. Infants at this time could also receive the blood of Christ. -
Period: 160 to 230
Theology of Tertullian - Changes to Eucharistic Prayer
As a result of the opinions of famed theologist Tertullian, changes to Eucharistic prayer, particular in the happenings penitence, are adopted, the main one being the restriction of penitential fasting, as this was deemed "incompatible" with Eucharistic feasting. It was also now mandatory to attend communion not only on Sundays, but also on Wednesdays and Fridays. -
Period: Jan 1, 800 to Jan 1, 1000
The 9th and 10th Centuries - Changes to the Eucharistic Mass
Since the Tertullian era, many changes had occurred to the mass. At this time, Latin was the language used in mass, and Priests began to give communion directly into the mouth of the recipients. This communion was now given AFTER the mass had been completed, not during the mass like in today's rituals. During this time period there was also some debate over what the body and blood of Christ represented, whether the bread and wine was just symbolic or the real presence of Christ. -
Period: Jan 1, 1000 to Jan 1, 1200
The 11th and 12th Centuries - Changes to the Eucharistic Mass
At this time, there was a great social change in terms of how the communion was thought of in society. Many believed that they were unworthy to receive communion, and therefore these people simply did not receive it at all. People were also receiving "ocular" communion at this time, which may or may not be linked to those who deemed themselves "unworthy" to embrace Christ through the mouth. Genuflection was also added to the consecration. -
Jan 1, 1215
The "Easter Duty"
The Lateran Council insists that all Catholics must receive communion at least once a year during Easter. This was known as the "Easter Duty". At this time, consumption of the Eucharist was obviously less common than before, when faith was at an all time high and people were considering themselves unworthy to receive it orally. -
Jan 1, 1264
Feast of Corpus Christi
Pope Leo IV holds the feast of Corpus Christi. It becomes a well established tradition held each year. -
Period: Jan 1, 1500 to
The 16th and 17th Centuries - Changes to the Eucharistic Mass
This time period produced some more commonly known changes to Eucharistic mass. The first tabernacles are built, situated near the altars, and the processions are now held carried in a container. -
Period: Jan 1, 1548 to Jan 1, 1563
The Council of Trent
The Council of Trent introduced some major changes to how the Eucharist was received, including definitions of what the Eucharist truly is. "Transubstantiation" is given an official religious definition, and the Eucharist is said to now "wipe away venial sin", or sins which are committed by everybody on a day-to-day basis. -
Period: to
The 20th Century - Changes to the Eucharistic Mass
In the early 20th century, there was a large push for the frequency of communion. As a result, the Pope of the time issued the reception of communion to be a issued when the receiver turns age 7. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy is established, stating that Christ is also present within the words of the priests and within all people. As a result of this constitution, mass is also returned to vernacular language. -
The Immensae Caritas
The establishment of the Immensae Caritas introduces some new rules to the church, such as the elimination of mandatory fasting for sick and elderly Christians. The eucharist is also now received by direct hand placement from the priest to the recipient.