Is it permissible

[muffinmojo]

…for laity to make the sign of peace in the ‘Roman’ manner? The way the Pope and some clergy do it, with the hands on the shoulders and elbows, heads slightly leaned in?

It seems more true to the spirit of the ‘sign of peace’ to me than shaking hands…I just wonder if it’s okay? Thanks.

 

[japhy]

…for laity to make the sign of peace in the ‘Roman’ manner? The way the Pope and some clergy do it, with the hands on the shoulders and elbows, heads slightly leaned in? It seems more true to the spirit of the ‘sign of peace’ to me than shaking hands…

That might be a gesture best reserved to the clergy.

GIRM 82 says “As for the sign of peace to be given, the manner is to be established by Conferences of Bishops in accordance with the culture and customs of the peoples. It is, however, appropriate that each person offer the sign of peace only to those who are nearest and in a sober manner.” GIRM 154 says “While the sign of peace is being given, one may say, Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum (‘The peace of the Lord be with you always’), to which the response is Amen.” I don’t know specifically what the USCCB has determined for the manner of the sign; a handshake seems appropriate to me (although I give my wife a modest and innocent kiss) while at weekday Masses, when people are rather spread out at my parish, I raise my right hand to about shoulder level (think half of the iconic “peace be with you” gesture of Jesus) as a gesture of peace to a person at a distance.

 

[muffinmojo]

Hmm…It’d be interesting to find out what the actual teaching is. I’ve seen priests make the sign of the peace in that manner with servers, who are lay people, so…that’s where my confusion comes in.

 

[bpbasilphx]

I see no reason why not. When the Pax was a kiss, that’s exactly how it was exchanged, according to all ancient descriptions.

 

[Writer]

My understanding is that it’s not appropriate for non-clergy to make the sign of the cross in the air–like the priest does over the congregation.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

…for laity to make the sign of peace in the ‘Roman’ manner? The way the Pope and some clergy do it, with the hands on the shoulders and elbows, heads slightly leaned in?

It seems more true to the spirit of the ‘sign of peace’ to me than shaking hands…I just wonder if it’s okay? Thanks.

When it is the custom of the people, so when your in Rome do it the way the Romans do.

 

[Evan]

I don’t know specifically what the USCCB has determined for the manner of the sign; a handshake seems appropriate to me (although I give my wife a modest and innocent kiss) while at weekday Masses, when people are rather spread out at my parish, I raise my right hand to about shoulder level as a gesture of peace to a person at a distance.

When I am distant from others at the mass, I use the form used in Bangladesh when I was there. Fold hands on chest and bow from the waist. It seems to be a common greeting in the East.

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

Hi,

The sign of peace seems to have many variations, so I can’t see that this would be wrong, but some may consider it too familiar, and/or be taken aback by this.

Although I do sometimes give different signs to different people, technecally this should not be. It is a symbolic sign, so the exchange with one person, is to exchange with the whole community, and the sign should be the same for all.

But since we are human—this will probably never happen, so do what you prefer, as long as you do not force yourself on anyone. I often kiss my hand and extend it, especially if a friend is a distance away. (Again, technically this is not instructed, since I already greeted someone near to me, but I don’t want anyone to think I snub them)

Lux