Genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament

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Martin15

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Hi all

I am wondering about genuflections to the Blessed Sacrament.

I believe that the most recent documents state that a genuflection on one knee is normal for the blessed sacrament. But I have seen people genuflect on both knees - specifically I am thinking about when a priest exposes the Blessed Sacrament for Adoration, and just before Benediction.

The reason I am asking is we are hoping to begin Adoration in the school chapel. The Sacrament will be removed from and returned to the tabernacle by a member of staff; should they genuflect on one knee or two? Why would a priest genuflect on both knees at the beginning/end of adoration?

Thanks in advance for any help people can give.

Martin
 
Yes, as far as I know the current governing regulation is *Eucharistiae Sacramentum *(1973), which notes:
  1. Genuflection in the presence of the blessed sacrament, whether reserved in the tabernacle or exposed for public adoration, is on one knee.
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A double genuflection in the presence of the exposed sacrament is a pious tradition, though I do not know it was required prior to this document? It remains an acceptable traditional practice, but it is not mandated, and no one should be considered wrong to follow the current rubric.

tee
 
Genuflection on one knee is good. I hold on to the “tradition” of a 2knee genuflection only on Holy Thursday evening after the Blessed Sacrament is reposed. However, even this is not necessary.
 
As the others have said, genuflection on one knee is the rule, and sufficient. I don’t know when this changed, probably in the 60’s. Earlier, I was taught one knee when it is in the Tabernacle, both knees when it is exposed. The habit is too ingrained in me to change now.

We have many Asians in my parish. They use both knees and bow the head to the floor. I can’t get to the floor, but I tend to make a noticeable bow. Again, it is not required, but I am more comfortable with it. I see no rule against it.
 
tee_eff_em said:
A double genuflection in the presence of the exposed sacrament is a pious tradition, though I do not know it was required prior to this document?
Click to expand...
There were, of course, no rubrics for the congregation in the pre-V2 era, but the rubrics for those in the sanctuary did indeed specify a double genuflection.
 
Joe Kelley says…"Earlier, I was taught one knee when it is in the Tabernacle, both knees when it is exposed. The habit is too ingrained in me to change now. "

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We do a double genuflection at my parish.

Frankly, I like it.
 
Martin15 said:
Hi all

I am wondering about genuflections to the Blessed Sacrament.

I believe that the most recent documents state that a genuflection on one knee is normal for the blessed sacrament. But I have seen people genuflect on both knees - specifically I am thinking about when a priest exposes the Blessed Sacrament for Adoration, and just before Benediction.

The reason I am asking is we are hoping to begin Adoration in the school chapel. The Sacrament will be removed from and returned to the tabernacle by a member of staff; should they genuflect on one knee or two? Why would a priest genuflect on both knees at the beginning/end of adoration?

Thanks in advance for any help people can give.

Martin
Click to expand...
If you are genuflecting to the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle, it’s on your right knee.

If you are genuflecting to the Exposed Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance, it’s on both knees with a bow of the head.

If you are greeting your local ordinary (Bishop), it’s on your left knee.
 
Tridentinum said:
If you are genuflecting to the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle, it’s on your right knee.

If you are genuflecting to the Exposed Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance, it’s on both knees with a bow of the head.

If you are greeting your local ordinary (Bishop), it’s on your left knee.
Click to expand...
Actually, a one knee (right) genuflection is now prescribed for both the tabernacle and the exposed Sacrament.
 
drforjc said:
Actually, a one knee (right) genuflection is now prescribed for both the tabernacle and the exposed Sacrament.
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Which makes perfect sense to me. After all, it’s the same Blessed Sacrament, whether hidden in the tabernacle or exposed. So it should be the same for both.
 
Here is the quote from Eucharistiae Sacramentum:
  1. Genuflection in the presence of the blessed sacrament, whether reserved in the tabernacle or exposed for public adoration, is on one knee.
Click to expand...
 
Personally, While I fully respect the Church’s instructions on this matter (as in all matters), it strikes me as a bit too much like the old “Pharisaic” mentality to be overly concerned about it.

Jesus spoke of the problems associated with paying too much attention to the letter of the Law while ignoring the heart of it. We see this in the healing on the Sabbath as well as the Apostles pulling grain and other matters.

In this case, the Church has stated that a single knee genuflection is the norm. BUT - we certainly would not have a problem with a person with physical problems not genuflecting. Neither should we have any problem with a person who, like myself, was taught to go to both knees before the exposed blessed Sacrament.

In my view, the real concern are those who seem to be oblivious to the presence of Christ whether exposed or in the Tabernacle.

Peace
James
 
Exactly ,JRKH.
The quote about genuflecting is not a law but a guideline.
 
Joe_Kelley said:
We have many Asians in my parish. They use both knees and bow the head to the floor. I can’t get to the floor, but I tend to make a noticeable bow. Again, it is not required, but I am more comfortable with it. I see no rule against it.
Click to expand...
That sounds like a prostration, not a genuflection. (the East still prostrates)

hawk
 
JRKH said:
Personally, While I fully respect the Church’s instructions on this matter (as in all matters), it strikes me as a bit too much like the old “Pharisaic” mentality to be overly concerned about it.

Jesus spoke of the problems associated with paying too much attention to the letter of the Law while ignoring the heart of it. We see this in the healing on the Sabbath as well as the Apostles pulling grain and other matters.

In this case, the Church has stated that a single knee genuflection is the norm. BUT - we certainly would not have a problem with a person with physical problems not genuflecting. Neither should we have any problem with a person who, like myself, was taught to go to both knees before the exposed blessed Sacrament.

In my view, the real concern are those who seem to be oblivious to the presence of Christ whether exposed or in the Tabernacle.

Peace
James
Click to expand...
Agreed 100%. FWIW at the local Benedictine abbey for first Friday benediction, everyone (i.e. we take our cue from the monks) kneels on both knees as the Blessed Sacrament is carried in from the tabernacle (which is in a side chapel), and until it is carried out again after benediction.

At Sunday adoration after Vespers, after the benediction and while the Blessed Sacrament is in the monstrance for adoration, most sit, some kneel. Then all kneel again at the end as it is carried back out to the side chapel.
 
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