Why does the priest slightly bend over the altar at the consecration?

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dizzy_dave

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I’ve noticed lately that the priests bend part way over the alter during the consecration, why is this done, what does it mean? I just never noticed it before.
 
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dizzy_dave:
I’ve noticed lately that the priests bend part way over the alter during the consecration, why is this done, what does it mean? I just never noticed it before.
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A priest and Deacon for that matter is required to Genuflect after Consecrating each element. Unless prevented from doing so by illness or age, then a profound bow from the waist is allowed.
 
The Parish I used to attend must have had 3 infirmed priests (grin) - they all bowed from the waist but did not genuflect -
 
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deogratias:
The Parish I used to attend must have had 3 infirmed priests (grin) - they all bowed from the waist but did not genuflect -
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With many these days the infirmity is more than just of the body!
 
Hi everyone! I don’t mean the Genuflection. While the Priest is holding the host he holds with both hands while reading I think and is slightly hunched over for maybe 5-10 seconds while he is praying (reading). Thanks
 
Hello Diz!
At the words of consecration, the priest changes the person of the text from praying TO God to speaking FOR God… “THIS IS MY BODY…” It is the moment of transubstantiation and I believe that the slightly bent posture over the bread and wine changing is a deliberate gesture to emphasize this mystery. I have no citations to back this but it makes sense…
Yours In Christ,
Tomb
 
According to the Girm Chpt. IV, sec. IV. under Genuflections and Bows, #275 B the priest is to slightly bow.

It states that the priest slightly bows as he speaks the words of the Lord at the consecration.
 
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