Expert Answer Forum
Holding hands QUESTION from Frances June 13
I've heard different things regarding the holding of hands during the Our Father. Recently two Priest's in two separate Parish's have stated that we are not to hold hands. What is the Vatican's view on the holding of hands during the Our Father? Thank you ANSWER by Mr. John Miskell on June 13, 1999
Dear Frances, The Sacred Congregation for Sacraments and Divine Worship has issued a number of Clarifications and Interpretations of the GIRM. These interpretations affect the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and are binding. . . .holding hands is a sign of intimacy and not reconciliation, and as such disrupts the flow of the Sacramental signs in the Mass which leads to the Sacramental sign of intimacy with Christ and our neighbor, Holy Communion. [Clarifications and Interpretations of the GIRM Notitiae Vol. XI (1975) p. 226] I hope this helps. In Christ, John Miskell Back to Index Page