Genuflecting when the tabernacle is AWOL

[victrolatim]

What is the norm concerning genuflecting when one cannot find where the tabernacle is? I’ve seen different church layouts where sometimes the tabernacle is in a transept instead of the high altar and I always genuflect facing it. Today, the church I entered had the choir platform/instruments behind the altar and the tabernacle was nowhere in sight. I reverenced the altar not quite knowing what to do (I felt like I was genuflecting to the choir). Later after communion, I discovered that the tabernacle was inside the door to the sacristy.

 

[LaughingBoy1503]

I believe we are to genuflect to the altar if we do not know where the tabernacle is. I am sure someone else who is a lot more knowledgeable will either confirm or disprove that. I cannot remember where I read it, but that is what I have done in the past.

 

[paperwight66]

No, one does not genuflect to the altar, but bows in recognition that it is used for the Holy Sacrifice.

 

[Dizet]

No, one does not genuflect to the altar, but bows in recognition that it is used for the Holy Sacrifice.

Yes a profound bow is given to the altar.

For me, if the tabernacle can’t be found, a profound bow to the altar suffices.
The Lord understands.

 

[smead2942]

It’s the same way in the TLM. If the Blessed Sacrament/Tabernacle is not present, the priest makes a profound bow to the altar (though the servers genuflect either way) out of respect for the Most Holy Sacrament that will be consecrated there.

 

[1ke]

Genuflect to tabernacle, bow to altar.