I am glad to know I am not the only one clinging to tradition (Zak Portelli, The Sunday Times, May 30).

Several months ago, on a Sunday, I was attending Mass at the Carmelite church in Balluta, Sliema. The chaplain was celebrating Mass and I went to receive communion on the tongue. The chaplain told me I could not. I asked why and he said he was following instructions.

I asked whether he wanted me to step aside. I did so, and when Mass ended, I went towards the sacristy to meet the chaplain, who kept insisting I should receive communion by hand.

I told him I received communion on the tongue at Tal-Ibraġ and Nazzarenu churches and had no problems. He kept insisting he would not do it.

I then told him that if I died that same day, it would be on his conscience. At those words, while entering the sacristy, he said "Fanatical; Gawdiha" (meaning, sarcastically, that I can keep on enjoying my fanatical opinion). Archbishop Paul Cremona was approached regarding this matter and after a discussion at his residence I concluded that should somebody indicate that he wishes to receive communion on the tongue, he can do so. Mgr Cremona also said he would definitely be doing something about the matter.

This important matter has been on the pending list for quite some months. However, I recently received a note from Mgr Cremona that it is being discussed with the health authorities.

On May 30, I went again to the same church and the same chaplain was celebrating Mass. I went to receive communion on the tongue from one of the helpers and again I was refused. There and then I asked the reason and he said he was told not to do so, so I stepped aside again.

I wonder how many individuals are not receiving communion because of the hard-headedness of some priests. It is about time the head of the Church in Malta clarifies the situation. I can be contacted through The Sunday Times.