20/08/2025
📌 Important Reminder on the Lord’s Prayer During Holy Mass
The Holy Mass is the highest form of worship we can offer to God, and every gesture, word, and posture we do inside the liturgy has meaning. Because of this, it is important that both priests and the lay faithful know their proper roles during the Mass.
During the Lord’s Prayer, the priest prays in the Orans posture (hands extended upward). This is not just a simple gesture, but a sacred sign that he is praying in the name of the entire assembly. The priest acts in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), and the Orans posture is part of his liturgical function.
For the lay faithful, the correct posture is a humble and reverent praying position — hands folded, palms joined, or placed together in front of the chest. This is a sign of devotion, respect, and interior participation in prayer.
❌ What should not be done:
The faithful should not imitate the Orans posture (hands raised), since this gesture belongs uniquely to the priest who presides at Mass.
The faithful should not hold hands during the Lord’s Prayer, as this practice is not prescribed by the liturgical books and can take away from the focus on prayer.
By observing the correct postures, we show our respect for the sacred liturgy and maintain the unity of worship. Let us remember: the Mass is not about personal preference, but about our faithful response to the Church’s guidance.
🙏 May our reverence in posture and prayer always lead us closer to Christ, who taught us to pray: “Our Father, who art in heaven...”
