Bowing at the Name of Mary
Today is the feast of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to Mariology by Juniper B. Carol, O.F.M, "the Hebrew name of Mary, Miryãm, (in Latin Domina) means lady or sovereign; this Mary is in virtue of her Son's sovereign authority as Lord of the World. We call Mary our Lady as we call Jesus our Lord, and when we pronounce her name we affirm her power, implore her aid and place ourselves under her protection."
In reverence to Mary's Most Holy Name, the simple bow of the head during the Mass (which is first used at the Name of Jesus) may also be used at the Name of Mary. This simple bow involves tipping the head slightly so that the chin touches the base of the neck. This gesture is a sign of a loving submission and veneration to the Queen of Heaven and earth, to the Mother of God. Let's try this the next time we're at Mass.
Update: Fr. Mercer has just informed me that the bowing at the Name of Jesus and Mary is not an option but should always be done at Holy Mass. He also cites specific instructions from the GIRM.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal states:
"275. A bow signifies reverence and honor shown to the persons themselves or to the signs that represent them. There are two kinds of bows: a bow of the head and a bow ofthe body.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."
In reverence to Mary's Most Holy Name, the simple bow of the head during the Mass (which is first used at the Name of Jesus) may also be used at the Name of Mary. This simple bow involves tipping the head slightly so that the chin touches the base of the neck. This gesture is a sign of a loving submission and veneration to the Queen of Heaven and earth, to the Mother of God. Let's try this the next time we're at Mass.
Update: Fr. Mercer has just informed me that the bowing at the Name of Jesus and Mary is not an option but should always be done at Holy Mass. He also cites specific instructions from the GIRM.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal states:
"275. A bow signifies reverence and honor shown to the persons themselves or to the signs that represent them. There are two kinds of bows: a bow of the head and a bow ofthe body.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."
3 Comments:
Good point,besides why not bow our heads a little bit to the Queen?
Well this is my first visit to your blog and I'm impressed!
Keep up the good work. May the assistance of our Lady be with you!
Thank you Jesuvera! God bless you!
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