Why do we bend the right knee when genuflecting?
The short answer
The GIRM describes a genuflection as bending the right knee to the ground. It signifies adoration, so it is reserved for the Blessed Sacrament, and for the Holy Cross from its solemn adoration on Good Friday until the Easter Vigil.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (274) says a genuflection is made by bending the right knee to the ground. It signifies adoration and so is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament, and for the Holy Cross from its solemn adoration in the Good Friday liturgy until the start of the Easter Vigil.
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