Genuflection

Genuflection (from the Latin genu, knee, and flectere, to bend) is the act of bending the right knee to the ground as a sign of adoration and reverence — practiced by Catholics when passing before the tabernacle or in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. It is a bodily act of worship acknowledging the Real Presence of Christ (CCC 1378).

What It Signifies

Genuflection is an act of the body expressing the adoration of the soul — a physical acknowledgment that the one present deserves complete submission and worship. The bent knee is the body's most ancient gesture of homage before a king or divinity. In Catholic practice it is specifically addressed to Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament (CCC 1378).

When Catholics Genuflect

Catholics genuflect when entering or leaving a church where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle; when passing before the tabernacle; and at certain moments in the Mass (before the consecrated host and chalice after the words of institution, if kneeling is not the posture of the assembly). During the Easter Triduum, a profound bow replaces genuflection when the tabernacle is empty (CCC 1378).

Genuflection as Catechesis

Every genuflection is an act of faith in the Real Presence — a bodily confession that Jesus Christ is truly here. The Catechism emphasizes that the body should participate in prayer: "Christian prayer... is always bodily as well as spiritual" (CCC 2702). Genuflection is one of the Church's most eloquent bodily prayers (CCC 2702).

Frequently Asked Questions

Should Catholics genuflect before a bare altar? Genuflection is specifically addressed to the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. When the tabernacle is empty (as on Good Friday and Holy Saturday), there is nothing to genuflect to — a profound bow toward the altar is appropriate instead (CCC 1378).