[SoothingDave]

I have to agree with maryz on this one. Otherwise, you would be doing that "profound bow" thing to both the altar containing the saints relics (which was never done) and to the tabernacle forlornly placed on that side altar - treating both exactly the same.

You are to genuflect to the tabernacle and bow to the altar. Two different gestures. Two different realities.

SD

[american colleen]

You are to genuflect to the tabernacle and bow to the altar. Two different gestures.

Genuflect? I haven't seen a priest genuflect in years. No one genuflects except at the Indult.

I think the "profound bow" has replaced the genuflection in the GIRM. And I think it is sad that the altar, containing the relics of saints, is treated with the same sign of respect that the consecrated Eucharist is treated. Especially since most Catholics probably have no idea that the altar contains the relics of saints.