separateurCreated with Sketch.

Why Catholics used to kneel during the Epistle on Palm Sunday

KNEELING
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
Philip Kosloski - published on 04/09/22
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
When the lector proclaimed the words, "at the name of Jesus every knee should bend," everyone would genuflect.

Help Aleteia continue its mission by making a tax-deductible donation. In this way, Aleteia's future will be yours as well.

Donate with just 3 clicks

*Your donation is tax deductible!

Outside of the recitation of the Creed on the Annunciation and Christmas, there are a few times when the entire congregation would once genuflect during a reading or proclamation at Mass.

One of those times was during the Epistle (now called the Second Reading) at Mass on Palm Sunday.

It is customary to proclaim the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians, where he writes about Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

Dom Prosper Gueranger explains in the Liturgical Year why Catholics would genuflect during this reading on Palm Sunday.

While this custom is not included in today's Roman Missal, it remains a beautiful tradition that is preserved by the Extraordinary Form of the Mass.

Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!

Aleteia exists thanks to your donations

Help us to continue our mission of sharing Christian news and inspiring stories. Please make a donation today! Take advantage of the end of the year to get a tax deduction for 2024.