Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara answers questions about liturgy

Father Edward McNamara, a Legionary of Christ and professor of liturgy and sacramental theology at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum University, addressed a question regarding a priest omitting the consecration of the bread and wine during Mass.

McNamara noted that while omitting the entire consecration is rare, it does happen due to human distraction or health issues. He explained that it is more common for a priest to skip one part of the consecration, typically the chalice, by moving directly from the consecration of the host to the Mystery of Faith.

Regarding instances where a priest doubts if he consecrated both species, McNamara cited historical pastoral theology manuals, such as one by Jesuit Father Henry Davis from 1935. He noted that priests have been advised to ask altar servers if they saw the priest elevate the host and chalice to resolve such doubts.