Elevation

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B_Ambrose

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Is it permissible to elevate the Host in a shallow dish

without it being visible?
 
This is how it is to be done

The elevation of the Host should be a gracious and unhurried "showing" of the Body of Christ to His people. Having said the words of Consecration, the celebrant stands upright, still holding the Host, which he reverently raises directly over the corporal. It seems preferable to elevate the Host at least above eye-level, where it would obscure the celebrant’s face. The action is more significant if he raises the Host higher, without stretching.

As he holds the Host between the thumb and forefinger of both hands, the other fingers may be folded together or Epiphany arranged conveniently so as not to obscure the Host from the view of the people. It seems best to pause for a moment and then to lower the Host slowly and reverently to the paten. Then he places both hands on the corporal and genuflects in adoration, without haste and without bowing his head.
 
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deogratias:
This is how it is to be done

The elevation of the Host should be a gracious and unhurried "showing" of the Body of Christ to His people. Having said the words of Consecration, the celebrant stands upright, still holding the Host, which he reverently raises directly over the corporal. It seems preferable to elevate the Host at least above eye-level, where it would obscure the celebrant’s face. The action is more significant if he raises the Host higher, without stretching.

As he holds the Host between the thumb and forefinger of both hands, the other fingers may be folded together or Epiphany arranged conveniently so as not to obscure the Host from the view of the people. It seems best to pause for a moment and then to lower the Host slowly and reverently to the paten. Then he places both hands on the corporal and genuflects in adoration, without haste and without bowing his head.
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Thanks very much.
Can you give a source, especially that could be quoted to a
celebrant?

gaudeamus
 
We are not adoring the bowl but the Blessed Sacrament. No that would not be correct. The Host should be elevated over a bowl or paten but not on or in it.
 
Is it possible that there may be a reason the priest you seem to be questioning might not be doing it as suggested? Age? Physical infirmities? Or perhps simply not realizing that the way he holds it causes it to not be visible to all? If you are going to correct him, as it seems in your post, I hope charity will be liberally applied…

If it isn’t one end of the spectrum picking at our priests, it is the other. It is a wonder more of them have not asked to be laicized.
 
B Ambrose

Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite, Chapter 5, Liturgy of the Eucharist, paragraphs 301 and 302
 
Recently, at a weekday Mass, the celebrant held the elevation just a few heartbeats longer than he usually does. When I commented after Mass, he got defensive and started to explain that he’s started the practice so that the people have more of a chance to adore. . . I had to stop him and say, “no, Father, that’s not what I meant – it was so meaningful and special when you did that, THANK YOU!!!” Apparently the poor man is so used to taking criticism for the good and correct and holy things he does in Mass, that he feels he has to start defending it whenever someone makes a comment. I’m delighted to say that he’s continued to hold the elevation longer every time since! Pray for our priests.
 
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