Further to the ongoing debate regarding the giving of Holy Communion on the hand, I must describe two bad experiences that I was personally involved in.

The first "adventure" occurred at the Jesuits Church in Valletta. Going up to receive the Holy Communion I was preceded by a woman sporting a very thick and long veil who was constantly saying some prayers. She had so much to say that when it was her turn she was not yet ready and the priest was waiting with the Host in his hand. All of a sudden, this woman popped out her tongue like a chameleon and even surprised the priest. The result was that she gobbled the Host together with his finger which was covered with saliva. The priest did not have anything on which to wipe his finger and as I was next in line, when he gave me the Host, this was completely wet. I do not know how I survived as I was on the verge of fainting.

The second "adventure" was at St John's Cathedral. While praying in front of the Holy Sacrament, an old priest was sitting on the front chair. He was engrossed picking his nose and teeth. After several minutes, he got up, went to the altar, washed his fingers in the water ready for the Mass and then wiped his hands in the napkin lying on the altar. Pity the celebrant who found such a disaster.

Due to the above and other minor incidents I am very glad that the Curia had decided that the Host will only be given on the hands and no longer on the tongue.