Genuflecting When the Cross Passes the Pew at the Processional or Recessional

[TrueLight]

I feel as if I may have asked this in another thread that involved all sorts of bows and genuflections, but I don’t remember if I did or not.

Can you genuflect on the right knee when the server who carries the big cross, passes by your pew?

I know genuflection on the right knee is for God.

I see some people do it and some don’t.

They do it here for example, starting at about 0:53.

I have done it at some parishes and felt fine. I have done it at others and felt like an idolater because I got looks.

Is it an incorrect thing to do in the EF or OF?

 

[Brigid34]

I feel as if I may have asked this in another thread that involved all sorts of bows and genuflections, but I don’t remember if I did or not.

Can you genuflect on the right knee when the server who carries the big cross, passes by your pew?

I know genuflection on the right knee is for God.

I see some people do it and some don’t.

They do it here for example, starting at about 0:53.

I have done it at some parishes and felt fine. I have done it at others and felt like an idolater because I got looks.

Is it an incorrect thing to do in the EF or OF?

I’ve never come across that, even with Traditionalists. As a convert from Anglicanism (a number of years ago) I remember some of them bowed when the cross passed during the procession/recession.

 

[jwinch2]

I tend to bow my head and cross myself when the Crucifix passes by in the recessional. I have seen several others doing so and feel it to be a pious and reverent practice. There was another thread on this recently.

 

[TrueLight]

I tend to bow my head and cross myself when the Crucifix passes by in the recessional. I have seen several others doing so and feel it to be a pious and reverent practice. There was another thread on this recently.

But how about genuflecting?

 

[radiatingx]

I was raised (in the 70’s) to genuflect when the cross passed during the recessional. Most of our parish did that and I don’t recall it seeming out of place in other parishes we visited. Maybe it was a diocesan instruction (Boston).

As an adult I reserve my genuflecting for the tabernacle. Makes more sense to me.

 

[jwinch2]

But how about genuflecting?

Not during that time. Our pews are crammed pretty tight so it would likely cause distraction if I were to do so. In fact, since I have multiple degenerative disks and knee tendonosis, I always do a profound bow instead of genuflection anyways…

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Don’t see anything in the GIRM that says that this is supposed to be done.
So, by the logic used on this forum, you should not be doing it.
Don’t want anyone thinking that you are blurring the lines between the ordained & the laity!

The Entrance

1. After the people have gathered, the Entrance chant begins as the priest enters with the deacon and ministers. The purpose of this chant is to open the celebration, foster the unity of those who have been gathered, introduce their thoughts to the mystery of the liturgical season or festivity, and accompany the procession of the priest and ministers.

1. The singing at this time is done either alternately by the choir and the people or in a similar way by the cantor and the people, or entirely by the people, or by the choir alone. In the dioceses of the United States of America there are four options for the Entrance Chant: (1) the antiphon from the Roman Missal or the Psalm from the Roman Gradual as set to music there or in another musical setting; (2) the seasonal antiphon and Psalm of the Simple Gradual; (3) a song from another collection of psalms and antiphons, approved by the Conference of Bishops or the Diocesan Bishop, including psalms arranged in responsorial or metrical forms; (4) a suitable liturgical song similarly approved by the Conference of Bishops or the Diocesan Bishop.55

If there is no singing at the entrance, the antiphon in the Missal is recited either by the faithful, or by some of them, or by a lector; otherwise, it is recited by the priest himself, who may even adapt it as an introductory explanation (cf. above, no. 31).

Greeting of the Altar and of the People Gathered Together

1. ***When they reach the sanctuary, the priest, the deacon, and the ministers reverence the altar with a profound bow.

As an expression of veneration, moreover, the priest and deacon then kiss the altar itself; as the occasion suggests, the priest also incenses the cross and the altar.***

 

[JM3]

adoremus.org/0210MassGesturesPostures.html

Entrance Rites

Bow when the crucifix, a visible symbol of Christ’s sacrifice, passes you in the procession. (If there is a bishop, bow when he passes, as a sign of recognition that he represents the authority of the Church and of Christ as shepherd of the flock.)

Conclusion of Mass

Remain standing until all ministers have processed out. (If there is a recessional, bow in reverence to the crucifix as it passes by.)

 

[jwinch2]

So, by the logic used on this forum, you should not be doing it.
Don’t want anyone thinking that you are blurring the lines between the ordained & the laity!

Funny,

There is actually a thread going on this general topic HERE: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=577940

 

[TrueLight]

Funny,

There is actually a thread going on this general topic HERE: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=577940

Thank you. But it’s not the same topic.

I am asking about his specifically because I am concerned I may be doing something that is idolatry. I have seen some people do it and I’m not sure if they or I should be doing it.

Don’t see anything in the GIRM that says that this is supposed to be done.
So, by the logic used on this forum, you should not be doing it.
Don’t want anyone thinking that you are blurring the lines between the ordained & the laity!

 

[TrueLight]

adoremus.org/0210MassGesturesPostures.html

Thanks. This is very helpful.

Anyone know where the genuflection custom came from?

 

[jwinch2]

Thank you. But it’s not the same topic.

I know. I wasn’t responding to you. I was responding to the person I actually quoted in my response in regards to the “if its not expressly stated that we are supposed to do something in the GIRM then it is expressly forbidden” crowd.

However, as I stated, there is a thread on genuflecting to the crucifix which is very recent as well.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=565268&highlight=genuflecting+crucifix

 

[TrueLight]

I know. I wasn’t responding to you. I was responding to the person I actually quoted in my response in regards to the “if its not expressly stated that we are supposed to do something in the GIRM then it is expressly forbidden” crowd.

However, as I stated, there is a thread on genuflecting to the crucifix which is very recent as well.

Okay I see. If you have the link please point me to it. I don’t want to post identical threads.

 

[jwinch2]

Okay I see. If you have the link please point me to it. I don’t want to post identical threads.

See above. Also as a point of reference, the recessional is following the final blessing and after the Mass has officially ended so it may not even be covered under the auspice of the GIRM in the first place. I would simply seek some advice from your pastor.

 

[Chatter163]

There are various traditions. Some genuflect when the cross passes. Others make the sign of the cross. Some do nothing. The most common show of reverence is to bow when the cross passes. You certainly would not be committing idolatry if you genuflected to the cross, as your intent was to show reverence to Our Lord. Bowing your head (not whole body, just head) is probably the best way to go.

In traditional circles, many people bow as the priest passes, to show respect for him as the Alter Christus. This is not required, nor does everyone do it. But it is fairly commonly seen in places that celebrate the EF.

 

[TrueLight]

However, as I stated, there is a thread on genuflecting to the crucifix which is very recent as well.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=565268&highlight=genuflecting+crucifix

Thanks!

I would simply seek some advice from your pastor.

Good idea.

 

[TrueLight]

There are various traditions. Some genuflect when the cross passes. Others make the sign of the cross. Some do nothing. The most common show of reverence is to bow when the cross passes. You certainly would not be committing idolatry if you genuflected to the cross, as your intent was to show reverence to Our Lord. Bowing your head (not whole body, just head) is probably the best way to go.

Yeah, I see a mix of actions at the parish I attend. I do bow when the main celebrant passes as well.
Well, it seems like there is no direct admonition against genuflecting.

I’ll do whatever I feel led to do next time I’m at mass.

 

[JM3]

Yeah, I see a mix of actions at the parish I attend. I do bow when the main celebrant passes as well.
Well, it seems like there is no direct admonition against genuflecting.

I’ll do whatever I feel led to do next time I’m at mass.

newadvent.org/cathen/06423a.htm

The liturgical rules for genuflecting are now very definite.

1.All genuflect (bending both knees) when adoring the Blessed Sacrament unveiled, as at Expositions.

2.All genuflect (bending the right knee only) when doing reverence to the Blessed Sacrament, enclosed in the Tabernacle, or lying upon the corporal during the Mass. Mass-servers are not to genuflect, save when the Blessed Sacrament is at the altar where Mass is being said (cf. Wapelhorst, infra). The same honour is paid to a relic of the True Cross when exposed for public veneration.

3.The clergy in liturgical functions genuflect on one knee to the cross over the high altar, and likewise in passing before the bishop of the diocese when he presides at a ceremony. From these genuflexions, however, an officiating priest, as also all prelates, canons, etc., are dispensed, bowing of the head and shoulders being substituted for the genuflexion.

4.On Good Friday, after the ceremony of the Adoration of the Cross, and until Holy Saturday, all, clergy and laity alike, genuflect in passing before the unveiled cross upon the high altar.

cuf.org/faithfacts/details_view.asp?ffID=63

In the Mass, reverence can be expressed in a number of ways. One way, for example, is bowing, either at the head or at the waist. This is sometimes done towards the altar or when the names of Jesus or Mary are said during Mass (GIRM, no. 275; CB, no. 68). Then there is genuflection, made by bending one’s right knee to the ground. Genuflecting expresses adoration and is therefore reserved for Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. The only exception is venerating the holy cross from Good Friday services until the beginning of the Easter Vigil (CB, nos. 69-71).

 

[TrueLight]

newadvent.org/cathen/06423a.htm

cuf.org/faithfacts/details_view.asp?ffID=63

Thanks for the links.

By the way I see a lot of people link to NewAdvent. What is the role of that organization?

Are they approved by the Vatican or something?

 

[jwinch2]

newadvent.org/cathen/06423a.htm

cuf.org/faithfacts/details_view.asp?ffID=63

Interesting stuff. Are we sure this applies to this situation since the recessional is technically, not in the Mass? The final blessing has been given and the pronouncement “this Mass is ended…” has been made. It is my understanding that at that time, Mass is over.