Pendampingan Pastoral terhadap Umat yang Mengalami Larangan Komuni dalam Gereja Katolik

Abstract

The prohibition of Holy Communion in the Catholic Church is often misunderstood by the faithful as a form of punishment and exclusion from the life of the Church. This misunderstanding creates various pastoral challenges, including feelings of disappointment, inner wounds, and even withdrawal from active participation in church life. In reality, according to the official teaching of the Catholic Church, such a prohibition has a pastoral purpose, namely to uphold the sanctity of the Eucharist and to encourage the faithful toward repentance and renewal of life. This study aims to explore the theological meaning of the prohibition of Holy Communion and to highlight the significance of pastoral accompaniment for the faithful who face this situation. A qualitative approach with a literature review method was employed. Data sources include Sacred Scripture, the Code of Canon Law, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, official Church documents, theological books, and scientific articles related to the Eucharist and pastoral ministry. The findings affirm that the prohibition of Holy Communion is not fundamentally a punishment, but rather a reflection of the Church's pastoral responsibility to protect the dignity of the Eucharist and to nurture the faith life of the faithful. Therefore, the Church is called to offer a loving pastoral approach that includes personal dialogue, reconciliation, and catechesis, so that every member of the faithful continues to feel welcomed and accompanied within the life of the Church.