Is the gesture of reverence before Communion optional?
The short answer
No. The General Instruction directs communicants to bow their heads before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence, so it is required of those physically able. The same sign is made before receiving the Precious Blood.
The rubric
The communicant bows his head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister, on the tongue or in the hand. When Communion is under both kinds, the sign of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood (GIRM 160).
Required
Because the rubrics specify it, the bow is required of those physically able.
Continue exploring
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