It was just this year, so, not a health precaution, but perhaps more prevalent these days in Europe because they overall were less obstinate about taking precautions than Americans - it may simply be carried over from a few years ago.
I did some digging, and what I found is that it has to do with a combination of logistics, a keen observation of the text in 1 Cor. 11, and the RCC belief in transubstantiation.
Because masses often involve a very large number of congregants, it is very likely some of the wine may be spilled. The (unleavened) bread is much easier to manage.
Because the scripture says "or" not 'and' it isn't necessary to have both the bread and the wine. Christ is God and God is One, to have any of Him is to have all of Him. either bread or wine is as sufficient as both.
Because they believe the bread and wine are literally transformed into the body and blood of Christ, to spill it is literally to spill God, where He may be trampled underfoot - a grievous sin, which they hold can only be forgiven by the pope, even if it is accidental.
Put these all together, and there is a basis to pass the cup among the priests administering the sacrament, for the sake of the liturgy, and the bread among all, for the sake of all. Not because the laity is less holy or the priests more special, but simply to avoid spilling the wine.
Make of it what you will lol but this is the reasoning. It was practiced this way for a thousand years in some places, it did not originate with Covid. It's common but not universal practice in RCC churches, up to the parish priest how he wants to handle it.
I did some digging, and what I found is that it has to do with a combination of logistics, a keen observation of the text in 1 Cor. 11, and the RCC belief in transubstantiation.
Because masses often involve a very large number of congregants, it is very likely some of the wine may be spilled. The (unleavened) bread is much easier to manage.
1 Corinthians 11:27
Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks [this] cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
Because the scripture says "or" not 'and' it isn't necessary to have both the bread and the wine. Christ is God and God is One, to have any of Him is to have all of Him. either bread or wine is as sufficient as both.
Because they believe the bread and wine are literally transformed into the body and blood of Christ, to spill it is literally to spill God, where He may be trampled underfoot - a grievous sin, which they hold can only be forgiven by the pope, even if it is accidental.
Put these all together, and there is a basis to pass the cup among the priests administering the sacrament, for the sake of the liturgy, and the bread among all, for the sake of all. Not because the laity is less holy or the priests more special, but simply to avoid spilling the wine.
Make of it what you will lol but this is the reasoning. It was practiced this way for a thousand years in some places, it did not originate with Covid. It's common but not universal practice in RCC churches, up to the parish priest how he wants to handle it.
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