The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 98, states that, during the profession of faith, “at the words by the power of the Holy Spirit, etc., all bow; on the solemnities of the Annunciation and Christmas all kneel.”
In addition, GIRM 275 states, “A bow of the head is made when the three divine Persons are named together and at the names of Jesus, of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the saint in whose honor Mass is being celebrated.”
A bow is also required before receiving Communion: “When receiving holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister. … When holy Communion is received under both kinds, the sign of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood” (160).
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Why the disruption at the “kiss of peace” and hand holding during the Lord’s Prayer? This is not part of the GIRM and I understood the to offer the sign of peace was an option as indicated by the word “may” - how did these disruption of a protestant nature make their way into the Mass and why do the Bishops allow it?
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