Genuflecting to a Tabernacleless Altar

[Austin_CCD]

During my Summer travel I went to Mass at a new parish with a church that placed its Tabernacle to the left of the altar, BUT, the priest and altar boys would still genuflect to the altar.

I asked the parish by email and the administrator GUESSED they were genuflecting to the crucifix.

Has anyone else seen this? Why are they genuflecting to an altar without the Tabernacle? It seemed to be such an empty gesture without any expressed intent…just a shadow of reverence.

AHG!

 

[msproule]

I am quite sure that a profound bow (at the waist) is called for when passing before the altar if the tabernacle is on the side or in a separate chapel. During Mass, the altar represents Christ.

A genuflection before the Crucifux is not proper during Mass, as far as I know.

This is addressed briefly in chapter 4 of the GIRM, paragraphs 274 and 275.

 

[blackfish152]

At a church I attend often at university, the tabernacle is to the side. The priests always genuflect from the centre, towards the tabernacle, and then reverence the altar as a symbol of christs presence later. Always whilst passing infront of the altar the servers will bow, in respect of the symbol of the altar.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Austin CCD:

During my Summer travel I went to Mass at a new parish with a church that placed its Tabernacle to the left of the altar, BUT, the priest and altar boys would still genuflect to the altar.

I asked the parish by email and the administrator GUESSED they were genuflecting to the crucifix.

Has anyone else seen this? Why are they genuflecting to an altar without the Tabernacle? It seemed to be such an empty gesture without any expressed intent…just a shadow of reverence.

AHG!

No one is to genuflect to anything but Christ in the tabernacle. If the Tabernacle is not in the sanctuary they should be bowing to the altar or crucifix.

 

[flamingsword]

There is one special instance when genuflecting to the crucifix is the norm. During the Triduum it is the proper gesture whenever one passes a crucifix.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

flamingsword:

There is one special instance when genuflecting to the crucifix is the norm. During the Triduum it is the proper gesture whenever one passes a crucifix.

That is correct. I have stopped putting exceptions in my answers because most of the time it just complicated things.

 

[MikeWM]

flamingsword:

There is one special instance when genuflecting to the crucifix is the norm. During the Triduum it is the proper gesture whenever one passes a crucifix.

I hate to prove the point about complicating things, but…

Whenever one passes a crucifix? I thought it was just to the venerated cross between the veneration in the Good Friday service and the start of the Easter Vigil?

Mike

 

[iamrefreshed]

I my church the Tabernacle in is the chapel, behind and slightly left of the Altar and visable through a large glass window. I genuflect when entering or leaving the pew in that general direction.

Am I to understand this is incorrect?

 

[twiztedseraph]

My priest, orthodox as he is in doctrine keeps doing a profound bow, despite the fact that Jesus resides in the tabernacle behind the altar. He has a great respect for divine truth, but his rubrics leave alot to be desired. I’m trying to think of a humble way to approach him. Suggestions?

 

[Elzee]

iamrefreshed:

I my church the Tabernacle in is the chapel, behind and slightly left of the Altar and visable through a large glass window. I genuflect when entering or leaving the pew in that general direction.

Am I to understand this is incorrect?

It’s my understanding if the tabernacle is* visible *(even if in another room), you genuflect towards it.

 

[hilde_the_dog]

I have been taught to genuflect to the taberacle before and after mass and bow to the alter during mass or is that my lector teaching coming out. Also I have been to a catholic church that I visited without a crucifix or tabernacle - was I confused as what to do

 

[msproule]

Elzee:

It’s my understanding if the tabernacle is* visible *(even if in another room), you genuflect towards it.

This is my understanding, as well. It is a shame to be forced to play the “where’s Jesus?” game, but if that’s what must be done, then that’s what I do.