Kissing the altar

[Badge823]

Is a priest REQUIRED to kiss the altar at both the beginning and end of the Mass? Most priests in my diocese do, however there is one who consistantly does not.

 

[laszlo]

At the beginning:

When the people are gathered, the Priest approaches the altar with the ministers while the Entrance Chant is sung. When he has arrived at the altar, after making a profound bow with the ministers, the Priest venerates the altar with a kiss

At conclusion:

Then the Priest venerates the altar as usual with a kiss, as at the beginning. After making a profound bow with the ministers, he withdraws. If any liturgical action follows immediately, the rites of dismissal are omitted.

Above that the Lectionary is to be kissed after reading the Gospel

Then he kisses the book, saying quietly:
P. Through the words of the Gospel may our sins be wiped away.

In the traditional Mass there were significantly more kisses to the altar.

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

Is a priest REQUIRED to kiss the altar at both the beginning and end of the Mass? Most priests in my diocese do, however there is one who consistantly does not.

Could there be a physical issue? Perhaps he has bad knees/ankles/back and the altar is up a step or two?

And BTW, you joined 7 years ago only to ask this question now? LOL. Welcome back!