Is it appropriate to genuflect before Communion?

[nschmitz10]

In the GIRM, it says before receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows. The GIRM says the following about genuflections during Mass in Chapter IV Some General Norms for All Forms of the Mass, “274. A genuflection, made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and therefore it is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament, as well as for the Holy Cross from the solemn adoration during the liturgical celebration on Good Friday until the beginning of the Easter Vigil…Otherwise, all who pass before the Most Blessed Sacrament genuflect, unless they are moving in procession.”
I don’t know if I am being to analytical but just thought this would be a question worth asking. Thanks!

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

As you point out, the GIRM states that we genuflect to the Eucharist unless we are moving in procession.

Coming forward to receive the communion is described as a procession in the GIRM, therefore genuflection would not be the prescribed gesture of respect/worship/adoration at that time:

1. While the priest is receiving the Sacrament, the Communion chant is begun. Its purpose is to express the communicants’ union in spirit by means of the unity of their voices, to show joy of heart, and to highlight more clearly the “communitarian” nature of the procession to receive Communion.

In the USA the norm is bow before receiving communion. However, the faithful retain the universal right to kneel to receive communion (GIRM #160).

Genuflection before receiving communion, in and of itself, is not a prescribed action.