Cebu prelate seeks common gesture during ‘Lord’s Prayer’

CEBU CITY — Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has asked the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to make an official declaration on the appropriate hand gesture for those reciting or singing “The Lord’s Prayer” to avoid confusion among devotees.

“Bishops have the right to make a decree in their respective dioceses. But [based on our] experience in the CBCP, it is helpful if we have a common stance with regard to certain practices,” Palma said in an interview.

He said that he and other bishops would tackle the matter during the CBCP’s plenary assembly in Kalibo, Aklan, from July 8 to July 10.

“I would like to believe that it (proper hand gesture for the “Lord’s Prayer”) would be reviewed and eventually a final recommendation would be made,” the 73-year-old former CBCP president added.

In the Archdiocese of Cebu where Palma serves as archbishop, there is no specific order yet on what hand gesture is appropriate during Masses for the “Lord’s Prayer.”

“The bishops are the decision-makers in their dioceses. People should respect that. But I would rather that the national body (CBCP) make a recommendation for us to be more united and one in our expression [of faith] during the liturgy,” he said.

While sincerity in saying the “Lord’s Prayer” was what mattered the most, it would also be good if there was a clear directive about which hand gesture should be done, according to Palma.

“We will make a review of it. There has to be unity in the CBCP. We hope to have an official declaration as to the recommended gesture in praying the ‘Lord’s Prayer,’” he said.

Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete in Negros Oriental earlier asked people to join their own hands together during the “Lord’s Prayer” in liturgical celebrations while the priest or celebrant should extend their hands in prayer.

Cortes issued a decree after he observed that many people were confused about the proper hand posture for this part of the Holy Mass.

In February this year, Archbishop Florentino Lavarias of San Fernando, Pampanga, allowed churchgoers to hold hands while singing “Our Father.” —WITH A REPORT FROM ADOR VINCENT MAYOL, INQUIRER VISAYAS

READ: Cebu archdiocese, biggest in PH, to be split into 3