Bowing during Ringing of Bells

[srfnolen]

I am a new Catholic and sing in the choir. If one sits on the front row in choir we don’t have the honor of kneeling at appropriate times. However during the most recent mass I saw a choir member take her right hand, in a fist, and place in over her heart while bowing her head. This occurred when the Host and Blood were lifted and bells were rung. Where did this custom originate and can one elaborate on its significance? It’s very impressive and very beautiful.

Thank you,
srfnolen

 

[JamalChristophr]

I’m not sure about this, but what I have seen at the Latin mass is some people who attend the Byzantine Liturgy mixing the two together.

This actually reflects poorly on me since I should be minding my own business. But I did notice.

To actually be more accurate in answering your question, I don’t think there is a problem with this. It may be something that was fairly common before Vatican II, but I’m not sure. By no means am I a liturgist.

 

[Memaw]

I am a new Catholic and sing in the choir. If one sits on the front row in choir we don’t have the honor of kneeling at appropriate times. However during the most recent mass I saw a choir member take her right hand, in a fist, and place in over her heart while bowing her head. This occurred when the Host and Blood were lifted and bells were rung. Where did this custom originate and can one elaborate on its significance? It’s very impressive and very beautiful.

Thank you,
srfnolen

It is a sign of reverence and yes, it was more commonly done before Vatican II. Sorry to say it seems to have gotten lost in the changes. I still do it and I see a few others, mostly older folks. I also notice many do it at the EWTN Mass. You are free to do so too. It helps keep our mind on Our Lord. God Bless, Memaw

 

[Tarpeian_Rock]

What has always puzzled me about this pious practice is that the Host is elevated for our adoration. However well-intentioned, it has always seemed strange to turn away, even in a gesture of humility.

 

[tee_eff_em]

What has always puzzled me about this pious practice is that the Host is elevated for our adoration. However well-intentioned, it has always seemed strange to turn away, even in a gesture of humility.

Yes, I too as a cradle Catholic am mystified when people avert their eyes from that which is presented for adoration. The appropriate gesture in this circumstance is to bow *after the elevations, while the celebrant genuflects. From the GIRM (NB: The times of kneeling are directed by the USCCB with the approval of the Apostolic See, as is appropriate; but the

highlighted

bit is part of the universal GIRM)

1. …

In the Dioceses of the United States of America, they should kneel beginning after the singing or recitation of the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) until after the Amen of the Eucharistic Prayer, except when prevented on occasion by ill health, or for reasons of lack of space, of the large number of people present, or for another reasonable cause.

However, those who do not kneel ought to make a profound bow when the Priest genuflects after the Consecration

. The faithful kneel after the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) unless the Diocesan Bishop determines otherwise.

(* Unless he too is prevented from genuflecting, either by health or other circumstance)

tee

 

[Tigg]

What has always puzzled me about this pious practice is that the Host is elevated for our adoration. However well-intentioned, it has always seemed strange to turn away, even in a gesture of humility.

For me it is a matter of belief that I am indeed, before the King of Kings. To bow the head is an acknowledgment of my own sinfulness before Divinity.

Here is what Father Z has to say about it:

“I have no problem at all with these acts of piety, which are intimately personal and harm no one.”

wdtprs.com/blog/2009/04/quaeritur-acts-of-piety-during-consecrationelevation/

 

[StGerardMajella]

What has always puzzled me about this pious practice is that the Host is elevated for our adoration. However well-intentioned, it has always seemed strange to turn away, even in a gesture of humility.

Well, you don’t really turn away. You are supposed to look at the host (or chalice) when it is fully elevated, and only then make a deep, reverent bow. This is outlined in the St. Andrew’s Daily Missal which explains the gesture.

The gesture is pre-Vatican II, and part of the instructions for the laity for the Tridentine Mass. As you bow, you are to state silently to yourself (i.e., not aloud), “Dominus meus et Deus Meus”, meaning “My Lord and My G-d”, which were the words of St. Thomas when he saw Christ resurrected.

 

[Memaw]

What has always puzzled me about this pious practice is that the Host is elevated for our adoration. However well-intentioned, it has always seemed strange to turn away, even in a gesture of humility.

Your not supposed to turn away, just bow for a moment. There is a difference! God Bless, Memaw

 

[srfnolen]

Yes, I too as a cradle Catholic am mystified when people avert their eyes from that which is presented for adoration. The appropriate gesture in this circumstance is to bow *after the elevations, while the celebrant genuflects. From the GIRM (NB: The times of kneeling are directed by the USCCB with the approval of the Apostolic See, as is appropriate; but the

highlighted

bit is part of the universal GIRM)

(* Unless he too is prevented from genuflecting, either by health or other circumstance)

tee

Where can I find this USCCB book (or instruction)? Thank you. I appreciate it!

 

[Stephen_says]

I’ve read that in the middle ages, if the congregation could not see the host during the elevation because of the rood-screen, they would shout

‘Heave it higher, sir priest!’

 

[tee_eff_em]

Where can I find this USCCB book (or instruction)? Thank you. I appreciate it!

The text I quoted was from the USCCB website here. The index is here.

The abbreviation GIRM stands for General Instruction of the Roman Missal, which is typically found printed in the beginning of the Roman Missal or Sacramentary, which is the book the priest uses at Mass. (It may also be printed in hand missals? I do not own one myself). One does need be careful quoting that website (or indeed paper copies you are likely to find) because as I implied the documents are legitimately adapted for use by the several episcopal conferences for various locales.

The Latin original of the document would be abbreviated IGMR, for Institutio generalis Missalis Romani. It is there that I could tell the highlighted portion was not such an adaptation.

Hi vero qui non genuflectunt ad consecrationem, inclinationem profundam peragant dum sacerdos genuflectit post consecrationem.

tee

 

[DaveBj]

Yes, I too as a cradle Catholic am mystified when people avert their eyes from that which is presented for adoration. Tsnip

I agree. It is elevated to be looked at, so I look at it. At times I’m amazed that fire doesn’t come out of it and strike me, but I do look at it.

I’ve read that in the middle ages, if the congregation could not see the host during the elevation because of the rood-screen, they would shout

‘Heave it higher, sir priest!’

 

[Memaw]

I agree. It is elevated to be looked at, so I look at it. At times I’m amazed that fire doesn’t come out of it and strike me, but I do look at it.

I think the ringing of the Bells started as a means to alert the people that the moment of Consecration was coming as they didn’t have mikes then. I think they are needed to wake some folks up today. Bring their mind back to the alter. God Bless, Memaw

 

[srfnolen]

I think the ringing of the Bells started as a means to alert the people that the moment of Consecration was coming as they didn’t have mikes then. I think they are needed to wake some folks up today. Bring their mind back to the alter. God Bless, Memaw

I also read the purpose of the bells was an alert to those working outdoors or in the fields that the time of consecration had come.

srfnolen

 

[Memaw]

I also read the purpose of the bells was an alert to those working outdoors or in the fields that the time of consecration had come.

srfnolen

I think those were the outside bells from the belltower. Some Catholic Churches still ring those too. God Bless, Memaw

 

[AngelusDomini]

The use of bells had a very practical purpose at one time. For those working in the fields the bell of the church would be rung so that they could stop and pause for pious reflection - much in the same way as they would upon hearing the Angelus bell (in some parts ofEurope a single bell stroke would be rung an hour later to act as a curfew bell and remind the faithful to pray for the dead).

Inside the church, mass was only said in Latin, as many of the faithful did not understand Latin (and missals were a luxury only for the rich and literate) the sanctus bells sounded first - an indication that the consecration was about to take place; the bells at the elevations alerted the faithful to the elevation, inviting them to look up and adore the Sacrament, following which they would bow down in honour before continuing to recite thier rosary or other popular devotion. Remember this was essentially the priest’s mass, the faithful rarely received.

Now the bells serve to draw attention to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and call back any wandering minds. And yes, invite us to perform and act of reverence.

Interestingly, the only churches in my area to still ring an external sanctus bell and the Angelus are Anglican!

 

[CardinalChief]

The use of bells had a very practical purpose at one time. For those working in the fields the bell of the church would be rung so that they could stop and pause for pious reflection - much in the same way as they would upon hearing the Angelus bell (in some parts ofEurope a single bell stroke would be rung an hour later to act as a curfew bell and remind the faithful to pray for the dead).

Inside the church, mass was only said in Latin, as many of the faithful did not understand Latin (and missals were a luxury only for the rich and literate) the sanctus bells sounded first - an indication that the consecration was about to take place; the bells at the elevations alerted the faithful to the elevation, inviting them to look up and adore the Sacrament, following which they would bow down in honour before continuing to recite thier rosary or other popular devotion. Remember this was essentially the priest’s mass, the faithful rarely received.

Now the bells serve to draw attention to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and call back any wandering minds. And yes, invite us to perform and act of reverence.

Interestingly, the only churches in my area to still ring an external sanctus bell and the Angelus are Anglican!

In the Extrordinary form the Canon (Eucharistic prayer) is said inaudibly by the priest (and in Latin). The bells signal the consecration. In the EF the priest genuflects AT the consecration, then elevates the Sacred Host, then genuflects again. Many people bow at the genuflections and strike the breast at the elevation or make other pious gestures. As the OF doesn’t have 2 genuflection a many people have kept the habit of bowing at the consecration. These are pious gestures not governed by rubrics so long as the don’t disrupt.

 

[AngelusDomini]

In the Extrordinary form the Canon (Eucharistic prayer) is said inaudibly by the priest (and in Latin). The bells signal the consecration. In the EF the priest genuflects AT the consecration, then elevates the Sacred Host, then genuflects again. Many people bow at the genuflections and strike the breast at the elevation or make other pious gestures. As the OF doesn’t have 2 genuflection a many people have kept the habit of bowing at the consecration. These are pious gestures not governed by rubrics so long as the don’t disrupt.

Yes, I should have included the EF context but it sounded like the OP was referring to the OF of Mass. The Ordinariate Use also has 2 genuflections by the priest but the Canon is said audibly and in the vernacular.

 

[retire_early]

I’ve read that in the middle ages, if the congregation could not see the host during the elevation because of the rood-screen, they would shout

‘Heave it higher, sir priest!’

Those Brits!

Seems like they still like to yell…during their lawmaking sessions.

 

[AngelusDomini]

Those Brits!

Seems like they still like to yell…during their lawmaking sessions.

Do you mean a parliamentary debate? The yelling and bantering is the only thing that makes them worth watching!