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Genuflecting
The word “genuflexion” comes from two Latin words: genu, knee; flectere, to bend. It is a natural sign of adoration or reverence. A genuflexion is not a curtsy. It is the momentary bending of the right knee to touch the floor; the body should be held erect and the sign of the Cross not made. It is frequently used in the ritual of the Church.
© Evangelization Station, 2010
Genuflecting
The word “genuflexion” comes from two Latin words: genu, knee; flectere, to bend. It is a natural sign of adoration or reverence. A genuflexion is not a curtsy. It is the momentary bending of the right knee to touch the floor; the body should be held erect and the sign of the Cross not made. It is frequently used in the ritual of the Church. All genuflect when passing before an altar at which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved, or is lying upon the corporal during Mass, and to the unveiled cross from the solemn adoration in the liturgy of Good Friday until the beginning of the Easter Vigil. The priest repeatedly genuflects during Mass in adoration of the Eucharist after the consecration. Since a genuflection is an act of adoration, the general liturgical norms no longer make any distinction between the manners of adoring Christ reserved in the tabernacle or exposed, upon the altar, in a monstrance. The simple single genuflection on one knee may be used in all cases.
© Evangelization Station, 2010