Though one should never observe others during mass, over the years I have seen many people in mass do different things during the consecration. Some make the sign of the cross, others strike their chest. I wanted to examine a few different directions on proper deportment here.
Our missals are a good, widely available tool on proper etiquette during mass and have the following to say.
The Saint Andrew Daily Missal, p. 975, after the consecration of the wine
The consecrated species are thus shown to the congregation as a protest against the heretics who denied the Real Presence. Pius X granted an indulgence of seven years and seven quarantines to all who, looking on them, said “Dominus meus et Deus meus – My Lord and my God.” To all such as do so daily he granted a plenary indulgence once a week provided they receive Holy Communion, subject to the usual conditions (S.C. Ind. July 12th, 1906). It is, however, forbidden to say this invocation aloud (S.C.R., Nov. 6th, 1925).
The St. Joseph Daily Missal states:
When he (the priest) elevates the Sacred Host, look at It and say “my Lord and my God”.
Christian Warfare, page 42
After pronouncing the words of Consecration, the priest, kneeling, adores the Sacred Host; rising, he elevates It. — Look up at the Sacred Host, with faith, piety, and love, saying: “My Lord and my God!”
Further, another source, The Mass by Fr. Joseph Dunney, pages 189 and 195 specify on gazing at the Eucharist:
“So when the elevation takes place, look with love and reverence on the Host, the divine Victim, held aloft in the priest’s hands. Look to him, “the author and finisher of our faith, who having joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the same.” Bring this home to your mind over and over again. From the highest heavens He comes to us in the Mass. Think of that! God is now on our altar, and God is love. So He ought to be loved. Adore Him. Speak to Him, beg his mercy for your parents, your friends, for all who may need your intercession.”
“When,” writes Cardinal Mercier, “the celebrant has accomplished the liturgical act of highest excellence, the Consecration, and when, according to the rubrics, he elevates the sacred Host in a manner so as to render it visible to the assemblage of Christians, it is not fitting that they should remain with heads bowed to earth. The elevation is made for them – tell them. Where, that they should humbly follow with their eyes the sacred Species, at the elevation of the sacred Host and of the chalice containing the precious blood as well.”
At the least, it is safe to say that during the Consecration and Elevation one should look upon Our Lord Jesus in the Eucharist with love and devotion, declaring our faith in His presence by silently saying “My Lord and my God!” The Host is elevated for the faithful – declare your faith!
On striking one’s breast, the Society of St. Pius the X in their article “Attendance and participation at Mass” specify:
“Striking one’s breast. This gesture was used by the Jews, signified grief, mourning or sorrow, and the Church still keeps it to express contrition and to ask pardon of God. Logically one should strike the breast only at the words which refer to ourselves as sinners (mea culpa, miserere nobis, dona nobis pacem, Domine non sum dignus…) and not, for example, at the Agnus Dei of a Requiem Mass, where it says dona eis requiem instead of miserere nobis.”
Which would seem to indicate it would not be appropriate during the consecration. Alternatively the same article specifies about the Sign of the Cross:
“The Sign of the Cross. This is the seal which marks the Catholic and which should be the hallmark of his every action. It is used at the onset of every liturgical action, together with a formula which shows its meaning, e.g., In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti; Deus in adjutorium meum intende…. We use it when we receive a blessing, which is always conferred in the name of redemption through the cross…. Furthermore, at the most solemn moments of the liturgy, namely, the Gospel, and the hymns of the New Testament. (Sometimes it has a slightly different form: three signs of the cross, made on the forehead, the lips and the heart.)”
Which also does not include the consecration.
Note, previously in the article, on the Sign of the Cross is mentioned:
“Let us note here that nothing is more ungraceful and more useless that to make a sign of the cross while genuflecting. For each gesture has its own meaning, and should be done separately.”
Every gesture has its own meaning. Whether making the sign of the cross or striking one’s breast during the consecration, do not forget to gaze upon our Savior with love and faith, declaring your belief! Also… make a good genuflection to our Lord in the Eucharist, and do not confuse the act of adoration with a sign of the cross.
God Bless
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