I would like to add two more things to help express our faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and our reverence and respect for this Divine Presence:

First, the importance of genuflecting when we pass before the tabernacle or when Our Lord is Exposed in the monstrance. This is required by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM). This document also states: “A genuflection, made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and therefore it is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament.” It is proper to bow to the altar, which is only a symbol of Jesus, only if the Holy Eucharist is not present. But we must genuflect before the Real Presence to properly express our adoration of Almighty God. Let us all strive to give a good example by genuflecting reverently and be ready to explain to others why we follow this practice.

The second item is not a Church law but an exhortation to dress appropriately for the Holy Mass. The clothes we wear express the place where we are, who we are with, and what we are doing. The Mass is the most important thing that we do, which is to worship God.

The church is very sacred because it is His dwelling place. We live in a very informal culture. But nevertheless, there are certain types of clothing which are not appropriate for God’s House. Therefore, we request that all would prayerfully reflect on what they wear in church and make any necessary changes. More specifically, please do not wear items such as: shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, tight-fitting clothing, exercise or beach clothes, sports jerseys, short skirts or low-cut necklines, or anything else that is immodest or inappropriate.

We will not have clothes police officers at the Shrine, but we do hope to give God the glory He deserves and witness to the world that Jesus Christ, True God and True Man, is present with us in the most Blessed Sacrament!

Pax et bonum.

–Fr. Peter