Bishop Julito Cortes of Dumaguete has issued a decree on the proper hand gestures of churchgoers during Mass.
Ask the Archbishop – Should We Raise or Hold Our Hands During the Our Father?
“Confusion has arisen among our lay faithful regarding the proper position of the hands, especially during the Our Father in celebration of Holy Mass,” his June 16 circular reads.
“I therefore decree that every person attending Holy Mass join his/her own hands together during the singing or recitation of the Our Father, while the priest extends his/her hands in prayer (orans position),” he explained.
The prelate explained that the decree “will guarantee clarity and uniformity of hand gestures among the faithful participating in Holy Mass.”
