How many times a day can one receive Holy Communion?
The short answer
Twice. One who has already received may receive again the same day only at a Mass in which he participates, with an exception for danger of death, when receiving again is strongly encouraged.
Canon 917 says that one who has received the Eucharist may receive it again on the same day only within a Mass in which he participates, without prejudice to canon 921 §2. That canon strongly urges those in danger of death to receive again even if they have already received that day.
The commentary The Canon Law: Letter & Spirit explains that the 1917 Code allowed a second Communion the same day only in danger of death or to prevent irreverence to the Eucharist. The rule was relaxed after Vatican II, and after the 1983 Code there was debate whether "again" meant twice or as often as one attends Mass. In 1984 the Code Commission replied that it means twice only. So one may receive a second time on the same day, but only at a Mass in which one participates, unless in danger of death.
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