Dear Linda:

It is true that the norm in the United States is standing with a bow the head, but the Vatican as specifically declared that no one could be prevented from making a profound bow, genuflection, or full kneel and MUST not be prevented from doing so.

A priest may inform a person about the norms but cannot prevent a genuflection or kneeling nor may he exert pressure against the person from doing so.

The adaptation for the US, IGMR 160, now reads:

The norm for reception of Holy Communion in the dioceses of the United States is standing. Communicants should not be denied Holy Communion because they kneel. Rather, such instances should be addressed pastorally, by providing the faithful with proper catechesis on the reasons for this norm.

When receiving Holy Communion standing, the communicant bows his or her head before the sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister. The consecrated host may be received either on the tongue or in the hand at the discretion of each communicant. When Holy Communion is received under both kinds, the sign of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood.

The Congregation of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments required as a condition of approving the above adaptation that following: that "communicants who choose to kneel are not be denied Communion on these grounds". The same letter stated, "the practice of kneeling for Holy Communion has in its favor a centuries-old tradition, and it is a particularly expressive sign of adoration, completely appropriate in light of the true, real and substantial presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ under the consecrated species". (see CDW letter dated July 2002, in AB Dec 02-Jan 03 - p 15).

While the U.S. adaptation makes standing the norm fro receiving the Eucharist, the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani (IGMR), the rules for celebration of Mass in the Roman Rite, explains the meaning of traditional Catholic gestures, genuflections and bows, indicating when these expressive gestures are to be assumed at Mass. From this we can see why genuflection "ought" to be the norm, and why some people may want to continue that practice, despite the current U.S. norm. As mentioned above, it is allowable to continue this old and reverent tradition. Anyway, read the Church's definition of the meaning of genuflection as compared to the meaning of bowing:

GENUFLECTIONS AND BOWS
274 A genuflection, which is made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and for this reason is reserved to the Most Blessed Sacrament and to the Holy Cross, from the solemn adoration in the liturgy of Good Friday until the beginning of the Easter Vigil.

Three genuflections are made during Mass by the priest celebrant: after the showing of the Eucharistic bread, after the showing of the chalice, and before Communion. Special features to be observed in a concelebrated Mass are noted in their proper place (see nos. 210-252).

If there is a tabernacle with the Blessed Sacrament in the sanctuary, the priest, deacon and other ministers genuflect to it when they approach or leave the altar, but not during the celebration of Mass itself. Otherwise, all who cross before the most Blessed Sacrament genuflect, unless they are involved in a procession.

Ministers who are carrying the processional cross or the candles bow their heads in place of a genuflection.

275 A bow is a sign of the reverence and honor given to persons or what represents those persons.

a) An inclination of the head should be made when the three Divine Persons are named, at the name of Jesus, of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the Saint in whose honor Mass is celebrated.

b) A bow of the body, or profound bow, is made: toward the altar if there is no tabernacle with the Blessed Sacrament; during the prayers "Almighty God, cleanse" and "with humble and contrite hearts"; with the Profession of Faith at the words "was incarnate of the Holy Spirit ... made man"; in Eucharistic Prayer I (Roman Canon) at the words "Almighty God, command that your angel". The same kind of bow is made by the deacon when he asks the blessing before proclaiming the Gospel reading. In addition, the priest bends over slightly as he says the words of the Lord at the Consecration.

Bottomline:

1) genuflection is a sign of adoration; bowing is not.

2) Genuflection or kneeling may not be the norm in the U.S., but it cannot be denied. It is allowable to practice and no one should dissuade you from this practice.

Thus, if you wish to genuflect, continue to do so. You are following an ancient practice that is approved by the Church. The adaptive "norms" of the United States, according to the Holy See, cannot bar you from this ancient practice.

If my health permitted me, I would genuflect. Since genuflection is difficult in the circumstances of a communion line, I make a profound bow.

Now, of course, if you decide to genuflect or kneel you need to be aware of the people around you so that someone does not trip over your legs. But with that note of courtesy, genuflect away in honor of our Lord and God of the Universe.

Frankly, if it could be done without causing disruption I would be flat on my face on the floor when the consecration is made (when the God of the Universe comes into the room) and would be kneeling in as humble a position as possible to receive the great grace and privilege of receiving my Lord (on my tongue, not in the hand, and from a priest or deacon or installed acolyte, and not an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (who have shamefully become "ordinary" in most parishes).

God Bless and thank you for your devotion.

Bro. Ignatius Mary