Why do Catholics genuflect?

Catholics genuflect to express adoration of Jesus Christ, truly present in the Eucharist. Bending the right knee is a bodily confession that Christ is Lord.

What the gesture means. Scripture says that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth (Phil 2:10-11). Christian worship involves both soul and body. Kneeling or genuflecting expresses humility, reverence, and submission before God. The Catechism specifically names genuflection among the ways Catholics express faith in Christ's real presence in the Eucharist (CCC 1378).

Who receives this adoration. Catholics do not adore a piece of furniture, a church building, or ordinary bread. After consecration, Christ is truly, really, and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine (CCC 1374). His Eucharistic presence continues as long as the appearances of bread and wine remain (CCC 1377). For that reason, Catholics genuflect toward the tabernacle when the Blessed Sacrament is reserved there. The gesture is directed to Christ Himself.

When Catholics genuflect. Upon entering or leaving a church, a Catholic ordinarily locates the tabernacle and genuflects toward it. A genuflection is made by touching the right knee to the ground. During Mass, the priest and other ministers follow the liturgical directions governing when to genuflect. If the tabernacle is not in the sanctuary, those taking part in a procession ordinarily bow to the altar rather than genuflecting each time they cross it. The altar receives a profound bow because it represents Christ and is the place of the Eucharistic sacrifice, while genuflection is made toward the reserved Blessed Sacrament.

When a bow is appropriate. A person who cannot genuflect because of age, injury, disability, or poor balance may make a profound bow or another reverent gesture. God does not demand physical harm. The point is sincere worship expressed as fully as one's body permits. Catholics also bow toward the altar when the Blessed Sacrament is not reserved in the church.

A special liturgical use. The Church also genuflects to the cross during the solemn liturgy of Good Friday, from the veneration of the cross until the Easter Vigil. This is a particular liturgical act honoring the instrument of Christ's saving sacrifice.

When entering a Catholic church, pause, find the sanctuary lamp and tabernacle, and genuflect deliberately. A brief prayer such as, “My Lord and my God,” can help make the gesture an act of faith rather than a habit performed without attention.