Priest kneeling for final prayer

[Catholic19]

Was wondering if anyone knew about this. The pastor at my parish who is now retired used to bow before the tabernacle after communion, however instead of sitting he used to get down on his hands and knees in sort of like a ball with the missal in his hands against his chest. After a while he’d get on just his knees and saying the final prayer. Has anyone ever seen a priest do this, is it something that used to be done years ago by priests.

 

[newcalling]

I have not, but it sounds like it was how he expressed his devotion to Christ and the Holy Eucharist. That’s wonderful. It was probably something personal to him, perhaps inspired by his culture. The former pastor of a nearby parish was similarly passionate to what you describe, but not in exactly that way.

 

[anikins]

I have seen this once before, just as you described! The priest was German and this took place in Guam. I’ve wondered about it but thought it might be personal to him.

 

[Catholic19]

I would agree that it might just be personal, I just always found it so fascinating, and haven’t seen a priest do it since he retired. I thought it might have been a tradition that was done away with.

 

[Trishie]

Bless him! He surely loves God with all his being, and in deep humility and devotion.

 

[Roseeurekacross]

Yes , all weekend our Mission Priest was on his knees with his head on the ground praying the Fatima Angel prayers in front of the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration.

 

[Proverbs]

I am a little confused. And please do not take this as me “bashing” this priest.

Is the priest in question doing this during the actual Mass, as in after the distribution of Communion, but before the prayer after Communion, which he reads from a kneeling position?

If so, while it is a pious thing to do it is not called for in the rubrics.
If we are going to get frustrated with the laity adding postures to the Mass (hand holding for the Our Father, praying with the ‘orans’ position, etc.) we should be equally frustrated with anyone who does things of their own choosing.

 

[Catholic19]

Yes, he does this after the distribution of communion. I do think after seeing people’s replies that it’s a personal thing. It gives him a chance to kneel with the congregation, I believe the congregation used to staying kneeling while he read the final prayer, then everyone would stand for announcements, and the final blessing.