My priest wants to bless me. What does this mean?

[Bohm_Bawerk]

Hello everyone ,

Last week Sunday my priest said he would like to “bless me” (this) Sunday for my World Youth Day trip. It says on the newsletter that the Mass will be said in my honour.

What I don’t understand is what exactly he means by “bless”? I ask because I want to ensure I’m mentally prepared. Do I have to stand in front of the congregation? Do I have to make a speech? What exactly does “bless” mean?

Thanks, and looking forward to your responses.

 

[Trishie]

Possibly the most straightforward way may be to phone your priest to ask, and even perhaps to let him know you are perhaps nervous.
It would be better than feeling anxious about what may be expected of you
What occurs in one parish may differ from another.
You may be required to say no more than “Amen” Or “Thank you”

God bless you

 

[TrueLight]

I saw someone receive their “First Blessing” from a new priest and it involved them kneeling while the priest said some words in Latin and made the sign of the cross over them. Then the person kissed both of the priest’s hands.

It was quit beautiful actually.

I have no idea if that is standard. Hope I was helpful.

 

[Joannm]

We have had many blessing of youth going on mission trips. They simply stand before the priest who says a blessing and makes the sign of the cross to which the people do the same. Then they say AMEN and that’s it. You don’t have to do anything else.

 

[thomas_jd]

Hello everyone ,

Last week Sunday my priest said he would like to “bless me” (this) Sunday for my World Youth Day trip. It says on the newsletter that the Mass will be said in my honour.

What I don’t understand is what exactly he means by “bless”? I ask because I want to ensure I’m mentally prepared. Do I have to stand in front of the congregation? Do I have to make a speech? What exactly does “bless” mean?

Thanks, and looking forward to your responses.

Listen to the priests words when he blesses you. He may ask Our Lord to watch over and protect you, to give you aid in your journey, etc…
Normally a blessing involves the asking of aid from God.
A blessing from a priest may confer grace, depends on the context.
Remember we are called to bless and be blest!

 

[MarisaJean]

my priest gives me blessings often and my daughter as well. When she is due to go see her father two states away he always blesses her. He basically says a prayer with his hands over our heads and when he is done makes the sign on the cross and we say Amen. It is nothing to be afraid of. It puts me at ease and gives me comfort. You will find it very comforting as well.

 

[smichhertz]

Usually, that just means at the very end of the mass before the final blessing, the priest will call you up and give you a special blessing. I don’t think you have to say anything at all.

It’s kind of like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day when priests usually ask all mothers / fathers to stand for a special blessing.

It would be very unusual for you to give a speech.

Hope that helps!

 

[eegardner]

I’m sure it will be a blessing and prayer for a safe journey and that you receive the spiritual blessings that WYD has to offer. If others from your Church are going, he may bless you all as a group. I have seen it done this way many times. I have never seen anyone give a speech. No worries though, take it as a spiritual comfort.