Striking our chest

[Gnarwhal]

We're all pretty used to striking our chest during the Confiteor, but I have a friend who also does it during the Consecration when the bell is rung thrice. It's one of those things that I noticed at Mass, but I never asked him, now I've moved away and we've lost touch so I feel weird asking him now. Does anyone know is that has the same symbolism as the Confiteor (mea culpa)? Or if it represents something else?

I'm curious if anyone here has seen it, or does it, as well.

 

[Michie]

We're all pretty used to striking our chest during the Confiteor, but I have a friend who also does it during the Consecration when the bell is rung thrice. It's one of those things that I noticed at Mass, but I never asked him, now I've moved away and we've lost touch so I feel weird asking him now. Does anyone know is that has the same symbolism as the Confiteor (mea culpa)? Or if it represents something else?

I'm curious if anyone here has seen it, or does it, as well.

I’ve never seen anyone do that during the Consecration.

 

[Michie]

There are several comments on it while doing a search on Google. Not sure if it helps though.

What is the proper gesture during consecration?


We may bow when saying, “Lord, have mercy” during the Kyrie. We may fold our hands and bow as we pray the Our Father. At the consecration of each element, bow and silently say, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). One should bow when receiving Holy Communion, if received standing.

Do you strike your breast at consecration?


The same could be said about the custom, still common in places, of striking the breast when the bell is rung at the consecration. Here the gesture does not just express unworthiness but also devotion and the realization that one is in the presence of a great mystery.

 

[Gnarwhal]

There are several comments on it while doing a search on Google. Not sure if it helps though.

What is the proper gesture during consecration?


We may bow when saying, “Lord, have mercy” during the Kyrie. We may fold our hands and bow as we pray the Our Father. At the consecration of each element, bow and silently say, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). One should bow when receiving Holy Communion, if received standing.

Do you strike your breast at consecration?


The same could be said about the custom, still common in places, of striking the breast when the bell is rung at the consecration. Here the gesture does not just express unworthiness but also devotion and the realization that one is in the presence of a great mystery.

That seems to answer it to me! I know the friend in question and his wife are traditional, or at least trad-leaning Catholics so that may be why they do it. It seems to communicate what that excerpt suggests, cause he had so much reverence for the Eucharist I could tell.

 

[RileyG]

I've seen other people do it as well during consecration.

In the TLM, most people make the Sign of the Cross at consecration.