Hi,
Catholics used to always bow their heads upon hearing the name Jesus. Why do I rarely see the bowing of the head today, even during Mass?
Thanks Fred

I see it every time I go to Mass. I don't know why you don't. Maybe it varies by area (or something).

Fred,
I also see that at Mass.
They even bow before taking the Holy Eucharist.
I also see Catholics everywhere bow their heads when someone takes the Lord's name in vain.
The last time I know of that was at an airport.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

It is encouraging to hear that other sections of the country have retained this beautiful custom, even if we in the Boston area seemingly have not. My fear was that the leniency that has crept into the practice of the Faith since Vatican II was possibly responsible.

Thanks, Fed

Fred,
Even though some folks or a lot in the Boston area don't do that, you still can and set the good example.
Is Boston that cold that you call yourself Frozenfred??
Here in Montana right now it's about 20 degrees with a brisk wind and a forecast of snow.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

I still see it done at my church. People bow even before going to sit down in the pews and many more times throughout mass.

Jesushelper76,
Three cheers for your congregation.
It's a matter of great respect for God and His Church.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

See #3 Here:
Crucifixes, Bows and Celebrants' Palms (http://www.ewtn.com/library/liturgy/zlitur35.htm)

Hi Arcura,
It is very good to hear that reverence for the Lord's name is strong. I don't wish to demean Catholicism as practised here, as devoutness and discipline is well practiced by Mass attendance and reception of Communion. Back in the 40's and 50's the Sisters of St. Joseph did a pretty good job with a lot of us little "divils" that sticks to this day.

The Boston area is pretty much in the fifties daily now. Beautiful as your state must surely be, I do not envy you your current 20 degrees as much as I envy your trout fishing.

Although retired now, my working days were spent in the supermarket business, where I was mostly a florist, and then a frozen food clerk. Consequently Floristfred or Frozenfred.

Thanks and God Bless Fred

RickJ.
Thanks for that link.
Fred (arcura)

Yep still done around here all the time, in Catholic churches, and even in many others.

Hi Arcura,
It is very good to hear that reverence for the Lord's name is strong. I don't wish to demean Catholicism as practised here, as devoutness and discipline is well practiced by Mass attendance and reception of Communion. Back in the 40's and 50's the Sisters of St. Joseph did a pretty good job with a lot of us little "divils" that sticks to this day.

The Boston area is pretty much in the fifties daily now. Beautiful as your state must surely be, I do not envy you your current 20 degrees as much as I envy your trout fishing.

Although retired now, my working days were spent in the supermarket business, where I was mostly a florist, and then a frozen food clerk. Consequently Floristfred or Frozenfred.

Thanks and God Bless Fred

That’s funny; I’ve found Catholics to be more faithful, more demonstrative, more charismatic, more devout worshipers of God than most others. You’ll find these folks at first light of day in Mass; look there. I just don’t think you’ve been looking in the right place.

JoeT

JoeE,
I agree.
He may not be looking in the right place.
Fred

Other than my own parish, in the summer I attend Mass in a Maine parish, often daily at both locations. Very much the same in Maine. Some how or other it must be a regional thing. Devoutness is strong here in my estimation.

In Boston we were hard hit by priestly scandal, yet the faithful remained strong with the grace of God. I have asked a few friends if they have noticed heads bowing at the name of Jesus, and the answers range from occasionally to never.

If memory serves, I believe a fairly recent Pope attached a 30 hour indulgence for each bowing of the head. I simply wish more of us would take the opportunity to honor the Lord, as well as gain an indulgence.

Mostly I am grateful to hear that the practice still prevails with so many of the faithful.

Thanks and God Bless Fred

frozenfred,
I'm glad to hear that in Boston the congregation remained strong in face of the national news about the scandal.
Fortunately here in Montana there was little of that. We did have a young priest run away with a man of his parish.
Keep setting the good example with the bowing of the head. Hopefully it will inspire others to do the same.
That is how I learned it.
When I converted to The Church some thirty-five years ago I learned much simply by watching what others did or not do.
I was surprise at how much exercise a person got during Mass with all of the kneeling, sitting, standing up, bowing, and more kneeling.
It didn't take me long however to know why. The reverence for God was very evident.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Thank you RickJ for the most informative Zenit article. It is good to understand why in the eyes of God we do some things. When we can suppliment faith with understanding we are most fortunate I feel.

Thanks and God Bless Fred

Hi Arcura,
The situation in Boston was most painful and confusing. I'm glad Montana was spared. Some of the not quite so faithful used the scandal to leave the Church. Some churches were closed at this time, also difficult for Catholics.

Yet by the grace of God and the many excellent priests who continued to do their job, I believe that today our archdiocese is stronger. Quite likely there are statistics that I don't know of. I just feel that the faithful rallied and overcame.

As a convert I respect and admire you. My father converted at age 30 and for the remainder of his days, some 65 years, he was a better Catholic than I could ever hope to be.
Thank you and God Bless Fred

Frozenfred,
You're welcome.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)