57. Bowing During Mass

Now that we’ve completed our walk through the Mass, we’ll spend a few weeks talking about some unique topics surrounding and included in the Mass. This week’s topic is focused on the practice of bowing at the mention of sacred names and during the Creed. Bowing at the mention of sacred names is something that has largely fallen out of practice, although it is still the expected gesture (i.e. the norm) to be made at the appropriate times. Here is what the GIRM has to say about it:

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. (GIRM, no 275, a.)

A bow signifies reverence and honor shown to the persons themselves or to the signs that represent them. It is a simple gesture of lowering oneself before someone greater. You may notice this if you pay close attention to the priest while at Mass - he makes a slight bow of the head when mentioning any of these sacred names. You are invited to do the same. If you have a difficult time keeping your attention fixed on the Mass, making the resolution to bow at the mention of these sacred names just might help you focus better.

Another place where Catholics bow during Mass is during the recitation of the Creed:

A bow of the body, that is to say a profound bow, is made in the Creed at the words Et incarnatus est (by the power of the Holy Spirit . . . and became man). (GIRM, no 275, b.)

The Lord Jesus came down from Heaven to dwell among us, beginning in the womb of Mary. This is an act of unspeakable humility. He still dwells among us in the lowliness of the Holy Eucharist. Incredible. While we profess our Creed, we show particular honor at the mention of the Incarnation by the Holy Spirit. A profound bow, bending at the waist instead of the head, expresses that we are willing to lower ourselves in humility as we consider the humility of Christ.