During Lord's Prayer, put hands together – Dumaguete bishop
The Diocese of Dumaguete issued a decree on the proper gesture of hands during the singing or reciting of the Lord’s Prayer.
Bishop Julito Cortes said the faithful may join their hands when the Lord’s Prayer is being sung or recited during Mass.
Cortes issued the decree as he observed that many faithful are confused regarding the proper hand posture.
“There have been confusions among our lay faithful concerning the hand posture proper to them, especially during the Lord's Prayer in the celebration of the Holy Mass,” he said in a circular signed on Friday, June 16.
“I, therefore, decree that each person attending the Holy Mass should join his/her own hands during the singing or recitation of the Lord's Prayer while the priest extends his hands in prayer (orans posture),” the Catholic prelate added.
He believed that such action would clarify and give uniformity to the gesture of those who attend Masses.
Dumaguete Diocese has 42 parishes. Its territory consists of the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor, with the exception of the municipalities of La Libertad and Vallehermoso, and the cities of Guihulngan and Canlaon.
“This will ensure clarity and uniformity of hand gestures among the faithful participating in the Holy Mass,” Cortes said.
“This mandate is effective starting today (Friday), June 16, 2023, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,” he added. (PNA)