Consecration Etiquette

[PJD1987]

I usually close my eyes during the Mass, except for the homily so as to focus on the readings and prayers better. Out of deference, respect, and general feeling of unworthiness I also keep my eyes closed and head bowed in prayer during the Eucharistic Prayer and Consecration. I have had priests who before starting ask all the direct their eyes towards the altar and pay attention to what is happening, but I feel uncomfortable doing this in that I don’t feel worthy as I said of beholding the miracle that takes place during this time. I just read an article however about how the Holy Father insists that it is imperative that all direct their eyes towards the Eucharist when he says Mass. I don’t look up out of respect and deference, but I also do not want to be disobedient at all. So, I was hoping I could hear your thoughts on the matter, I thank you in advance.

God bless,
Paul

 

[mburn16]

actually, we just had a thread on this the other day…technically, the Priest elevates the host and chalice so that we can better see and observe and adore it.

Apparently, in the old days of large, long churches in Europe, when consecration was performed on the high altar with the father’s back (usually) to the audience, going to mass usually meant seeing or hearing very little of the Priest. Hence, the elevation and the bells to summon our attention to the focus of the mass.

 

[Catholic90]

We ingest the miracle, so why shouldn’t we watch it?

 

[puzzleannie]

I . I have had priests who before starting ask all the direct their eyes towards the altar and pay attention to what is happening, but I feel uncomfortable doing this in that I don’t feel worthy as I said of beholding the miracle that takes place during this time. I

it would be unusual if you did feel worthy, because none of us is worthy not even the priest, but what is the purpose of the sacrifice being re-presented for our benefit? precisely so that we can be witnesses who are present at Christ’s saving action for our sake as if we were there 2000 years ago. Might it not then be churlish to reject that gift and the call to be a witness? There is also the issue of obedience if the priest said that specifically, which trumps all other considerations.

That being said, as I recently replied on a concurrent thread which asks basically the same question, the way one person “sees” may be different than how another “sees” and perhaps rapt inward recollection for that person is as valid as looking with the eyes. But if the priest calls you to see, as Christ called Thomas to see, obedience is the best response.

 

[Aeolian]

actually, we just had a thread on this the other day…technically, the Priest elevates the host and chalice so that we can better see and observe and adore it.

Apparently, in the old days of large, long churches in Europe, when consecration was performed on the high altar with the father’s back (usually) to the audience, going to mass usually meant seeing or hearing very little of the Priest. Hence, the elevation and the bells to summon our attention to the focus of the mass.

That was never the primary reason for the use of sanctus bell(s) although they do also provide that ancillary benefit. For more information there is a neat (and free) booklet on sanctus bells at www.SmellsBells.com