Hand-Holding Explained

  • Thread starter Thread starter Reverent_Howler
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

It appears I stand corrected, at least as far as tortuous battery is concerned.
 
Some years ago there was actually a letter from the Pastoral Administrator in the bulletin which suggested that the ‘tradition’ of holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer originated in Germany during the Middle Ages when German princes would hold hands with the people during key prayers.

However Germany did not exist as a country until after 1870.
 
Last edited:
But that is exactly what happened in my parish. The priest told us to do it. When I joined a new parish they use to drop hands at the doxology but the priest had them continue to hold hand until the doxology was over. The only thing that the parish added was at the doxology they raise their hands high.
 
I personally know of individuals who realized they were the target of some unwanted attention at this point at Mass. Such as massaging of the back of the hand by the other party’s thumb.
 
I can recall but one instance when the celebrant suggested we just regard each other with a polite bow–due to the flu season. Pathogenic organisms don’t stop at the church door.
 
Reverent_Howler said:
Once, our local Catholic radio host mentioned how he deals with it: Just before the Our Father, he would ‘sneeze’ into both hands, and no one bothers him.
Click to expand...
On this forum we read a lot about bad behavior during Mass – kids running around and yelling, people noisily eating hamburgers, women wearing shorts that are too tight and too short … among many other instances. This alleged “Catholic radio host” gets my vote as the most unsuitable of all, so far.
 
Last edited:
When I was growing up, it had always been done that way. I was even upset that they were changing it.
 
I’ve heard it surmised that it came from the worldwide Marriage Encounter retreats, which then made its way into the parishes. Then as they say…“monkey see, monkey do.”
 
It kind of makes me think of the Coke commercial - I’d like to teach the world to sing! I’ve noticed my former Baptist Church how holds hands during prayer. I prefer to fold my hands.
 
It was likely a mock sneeze. Mine tend to be involuntary.
 
Once in his homily, a permanent deacon related as to how important that someone would hold his hands during the Our Father.
 
What did he say about it? Why was it so important to him?
 
This topic always brings out the need for control. Why worry about what others do? The people of God are not an army to be drilled.
 
He said he was working in the auto plant then and had to make his Sunday obligation at a parish that was unknown to him. So it was a comfort that someone would hold his hand, I guess.
 
The shaking of another persons hand as a sign of peace originated in Roman times when most men carried a sword on their person.
As most men were right handed the extension of the right hand to a stranger was a signal that you would not use your sword on him.
Hence it found its way as a greeting custom and then revived as a sign of peace by the conciliar Catholic Church.

Personally I find it sometimes awkward as I have been beside disabled people who are unable to use their right hand and I feel that they dislike the practice as it draws attention to their disability.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top