Consecration of the Eucharist

[sosan]

Wanting to be more reverent and prayerful during Mass, I wish I knew the correct posture during the consecration of the Eucharist. When the priest says, “This is my Body…” do we look up as the host is elevated, then bow our heads when the priest genuflects? Or do we bow our heads in prayer throughout? Or is this an individual’s preference? Sorry to sound so dense but I’ve tried both at different times over the years then realised that I probably didn’t know what I was doing! I’m a cradle Catholic and re-discovering my faith. It’s an interesting time for sure so there are sometimes all these questions that I would never have to thought to ask before. Thanks!

 

[japhy]

Wanting to be more reverent and prayerful during Mass, I wish I knew the correct posture during the consecration of the Eucharist. When the priest says, “This is my Body…” do we look up as the host is elevated, then bow our heads when the priest genuflects? Or do we bow our heads in prayer throughout? Or is this an individual’s preference?

It’s up to you, really. You should be kneeling at this point, and that in and of itself is the sufficient act of reverence. As for me, I usually have my head bowed except at the consecration: I look up when the priest says the words “this is my body” and “this is … my blood”, and I make a silent prayer when he elevates the Host (“My Lord and my God!”) or the Chalice (“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.”).

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I don’t know of any strict rule on this. However, the elevation of the host continues from the older mass when the priest was facing east. After saying the words of consecration he held up the Host so the people could see it. It seems the proper time to adore the Host.

 

[Phemie]

It seems to me perfectly logical that if the priest elevates the Host and the Chalice it is for us to look at.

While I don’t think there is a strict rule on this, GIRM 43 tells us that when we are unable to kneel at Consecration we are to do a profound bow when the priest genuflects after the Consecration. I opt for that time to bow my head if I’m kneeling.

 

[diggerdomer]

Wanting to be more reverent and prayerful during Mass, I wish I knew the correct posture during the consecration of the Eucharist. When the priest says, “This is my Body…” do we look up as the host is elevated, then bow our heads when the priest genuflects? Or do we bow our heads in prayer throughout? Or is this an individual’s preference? Sorry to sound so dense but I’ve tried both at different times over the years then realised that I probably didn’t know what I was doing! I’m a cradle Catholic and re-discovering my faith. It’s an interesting time for sure so there are sometimes all these questions that I would never have to thought to ask before. Thanks!

You should follow the rubrics of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM). I am not sure where you’re from but in the U.S. the GIRM is available here: usccb.org/liturgy/current/revmissalisromanien.shtml

You should of course consult the approved GIRM for where you are.

What is prescribed there is what should be followed.

Other personal acts of devotion (e.g. bowing your head while kneeling) is entirely up to you.

 

[puzzleannie]

Wanting to be more reverent and prayerful during Mass, I wish I knew the correct posture during the consecration of the Eucharist. When the priest says, “This is my Body…” do we look up as the host is elevated, then bow our heads when the priest genuflects? Or do we bow our heads in prayer throughout? Or is this an individual’s preference? Sorry to sound so dense but I’ve tried both at different times over the years then realised that I probably didn’t know what I was doing! I’m a cradle Catholic and re-discovering my faith. It’s an interesting time for sure so there are sometimes all these questions that I would never have to thought to ask before. Thanks!

whatever posture is in conformity with the directives (in the US it is kneeling) and in whatever position you find to make you most attentive and involved. If that is looking directly at the altar, do that. If you are more attentive an involved with your head down or eyes closed, do that. A bow or any gesture is not required, nor is it forbidden. We should not vocalize any response. Even when it was customary to say “My Lord and My God” that was a silent prayer, it is improper to say it aloud. and of course we would not make any exagerrated gesture or movement that would be distracting to others.

A side note parents who are trying to teach little ones to be attentive: try to ignore their squirming and demands for attention at this time and ignore them for those few minutes keeping your attention firmly on the altar, so they learn to model you. Hard I know, but do your best.