Face front or back during Processional?

[robertaf]

Many years ago, I was taught that when the Priest, Deacon and Ministers process into the Church and the Deacon is holding “Jesus in the Word” aloft, we are to turn and face the Word. I do not mean “greeting the Priest”. This has come up in discussions before.

In explaination, we were told that during a wedding we always turn and face the bride and her companions, why should we ever do less to Jesus in the Word. I know in certain areas of the Country this is quite common. However, I do not see it here, and my husband and I are the only ones in our church to turn as Mass begins.

Can anyone tell me what is correct?

 

[Deacon_Tony560]

Looks like 30 people read your message, but no one answered you. I suspect that each parish is different. Our people face the front and look at the song leaders, who are usually trying to lead the opening hymn. When there is no music or the song leaders are in the back, they still look straight ahead. Maybe this goes back to the time when there were many nuns at the Mass. They were always telling us kids not to turn around.

May God bless you on your faith journey,
Deacon Tony SFO

 

[John666]

I actually thought that the Priest was in *persona christy *and this is one reason I see people bow before him as he processes by … as Christ came into town with the people laying down their tunics and waving palm branches singing, praising Jesus before the sacrafice.

Any thoughts?

Joe

 

[Hesychios]

We had a little discussion on this topic earlier here.

 

[John666]

Hesychios:

We had a little discussion on this topic earlier here.

Right, thank you. I thought this was a continuation. I didn’t read any one else post this possible answer to the original question.

Thank you again,

Joe