Why Do Catholics ...?
Why do Catholics bow our heads/nod when we say Jesus’ name, Mary’s name or saints’ names?
The norms in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal state: “GIRM 275. ... 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.”
As Colin Donovan, EWTN’s vice president of theology, states: This norm applies to the celebrant, concelebrant and other ministers, as they have the duty to be familiar with and fulfill the sacramental norms. Yet it has long been practiced by the faithful as a mark of devotion for the holy names. If such acts of devotion are not done by all, it is probably because they are seldom mentioned or encouraged. They could be and should be.
Have you always wondered about some aspect of the faith or Church teaching? Or maybe you’d like to know some trivia about Pope Francis or the saints. If so, email us your question at [email protected] and look for the answer in an upcoming issue.
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