Kissing a Bishops ring: Would you do it in public?

[callmeChris]

It seems that many people just shake their hand. I think it’s too secular. I think a successor to the Apostles deserves a little more respect for their office.

 

[WetCatechumen]

Done it once and it was awesome. Left-knee genuflections are fun.

Next time I see the Archbishop, I’ll be sure to do it again.

I love the Byzantine tradition of kissing the priest’s hands. I do it, but I don’t know how Latin rite priests would respond.

 

[ljubim]

Yes!! I feel like my current bishop might not like it though. I would still attempt.

I feel the need to practice (left knee genuflections are awk-ward!) and it would be quite a scene for me to ask my mom to practice for meeting a bishop. She would wonder what on earth I was up to

Is the ring on his right or left hand?

 

[onmyknees]

My friend says that she kisses her priest’s(latin rite) hand. I think that this old tradition is so respectful and I want to try it. Does anyone know which hand we should kiss and what part his hand?

 

[sharmin]

My friend says that she kisses her priest’s(latin rite) hand. I think that this old tradition is so respectful and I want to try it. Does anyone know which hand we should kiss and what part his hand?

Why do people kiss their rings? Do their rings have some sort of significance?

 

[chevalier]

Done it once and it was awesome. Left-knee genuflections are fun.

Next time I see the Archbishop, I’ll be sure to do it again.

I love the Byzantine tradition of kissing the priest’s hands. I do it, but I don’t know how Latin rite priests would respond.

It was a tradition right here in the Latin rite as well.

Why do people kiss their rings? Do their rings have some sort of significance?

Yes. They symbolise their authority.

 

[sharmin]

Yes. They symbolise their authority.

Why do they kiss the rings, though?

 

[MercyMia]

Heck yes I would. Now I just need an occasion to meet a bishop…

 

[onmyknees]

Done it once and it was awesome. Left-knee genuflections are fun.

Next time I see the Archbishop, I’ll be sure to do it again.

I love the Byzantine tradition of kissing the priest’s hands. I do it, but I don’t know how Latin rite priests would respond./QUOTE/

My friend says that her priest likes it when people kiss his hand. She says many people from South America also kiss the priests hands. Does it matter what hand we kiss?

 

[callmeChris]

Why do they kiss the rings, though?

Their rings not only symbolize their authority, but even more their spiritual marriage with the Church

 

[tee_eff_em]

Every chance I get – Last did so about a month ago.

tee

 

[Santi2]

I think a successor to the Apostles deserves a little more respect for their office.

Which is why I kiss the Bishop’s ring whenever I meet any one of them. At one of the confirmation we were invited to attend, the crowd milled around the Bishop during the tea and cake affair which followed. Everyone shook his hand…until my husband went up to kiss his ring. After a hushed silence, everyone proceeded to do the same. So, we need to set a good example, especially to the little ones. One question that was asked by a five-year old on that occasion was: “Did you go to school with St Peter then, Bishop Charles?”

 

[Rico_S]

I have been to multiple events/gathering with our bishop in attendence and I don’t recall ever seeing anyone kiss his ring. I am sure it happens, I just haven’t seen it. As for me…I have not, and most likely will not kiss his ring.

 

[leafcatcher]

I came across this website that may be helpful, to us confused ones.

fisheaters.com/posture.html

 

[Danny_Clover]

It seems that many people just shake their hand. I think it’s too secular. I think a successor to the Apostles deserves a little more respect for their office.

No. The only person I kiss is my wife and the only person I’m going to bow before is Christ.

I’d probably shake his hand, though.

 

[Joe_5859]

One question that was asked by a five-year old on that occasion was: “Did you go to school with St Peter then, Bishop Charles?”

That’s hilarious!

I’ve never thought of kissing their rings when I’ve met any bishops. For some reason, I’d feel like they’d look at me funny. That is a nice custom, though.