The Orans Position during the 'Our Father'

Woman in the orans position at the Catacomb of Priscilla in Rome.

The Catholic Mass in the Philippines, like in many parts of the world, is a rich tapestry of tradition, reverence, and local customs. One of the most notable aspects of the Mass is the communal prayer of the "Our Father," where the congregation comes together in the spirit of unity and supplication. However, over the years, the practice of the orans position (a gesture of prayer where the hands are raised and open) during the Our Father has become a point of discussion, especially in the context of the Church in the Philippines.

The Orans Position: A Gesture of Prayer

The orans position, a Latin word meaning "praying," is an ancient Christian gesture traditionally used by the priest during the Eucharistic prayer. It involves standing with arms extended, palms open and facing upwards. This posture signifies the offering of oneself to God in prayer and a form of supplication. It is seen as an outward manifestation of the heart’s desire to be fully receptive to God’s grace.

In the Catholic Mass, the orans position is generally reserved for the priest during the Eucharistic Prayer, especially during the Consecration. However, its use by the congregation during the Our Father has sparked varied opinions and practices, particularly in the Philippines.

The Debate: Should the Congregation Adopt the Orans Position?

The issue surrounding the orans position during the Our Father in the Philippine context is a blend of liturgical tradition and cultural expression. For many years, it was common practice for Filipinos to pray the Our Father with hands joined together, similar to how one would pray in private devotion. This posture was seen as a symbol of humility and reverence. However, the introduction of the orans position for the congregation during the Our Father has caused mixed reactions.

Some see it as an opportunity to more fully participate in the liturgy, emphasizing the communal nature of prayer and the offering of one's self to God. They argue that this posture helps cultivate a more personal and profound connection with the prayer, as the raised hands symbolize a collective and open-hearted approach to God.

Others, however, feel that the practice contradicts long-standing traditions. In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), which serves as the guide for the celebration of the Mass, the absence of a prescribed position for the assembly during the Our Father in the Roman Missal is significant and highlights the flexibility within the liturgy regarding the gestures of the faithful. The GIRM focuses on the physical postures of the priest and other ministers, but it is relatively silent when it comes to the assembly's posture during the Our Father.

The Philippine Context: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

In the Philippines, the orans position during the Our Father has become a visible part of the liturgical culture in certain regions and parishes. It is often viewed as a gesture that adds to the sense of unity among the faithful. The Filipino people, known for their deep devotion and communal spirit, have made this practice a part of their religious expression, often with a sense of spontaneity and warmth.

Yet, the continued use of the orans position in the Philippines is not without its challenges. Liturgists, clergy, and bishops have raised concerns about maintaining liturgical order and the proper understanding of liturgical gestures. Some fear that an unregulated adoption of such practices may lead to confusion or diminish the role of the priest during the Mass.

A Call for Reflection and Balance

In light of this ongoing discussion, it is important to reflect on the deeper purpose of liturgical practices, especially the posture and gestures during the Our Father. The Church teaches that gestures and postures in the liturgy are not simply about outward appearances; they are deeply connected to the spiritual attitudes of the faithful. Whether with hands raised or folded, the key is the internal disposition of the heart — a heart that is open to God, humble in supplication, and united with the community of believers.

Perhaps the most appropriate response to the orans position issue is to seek balance — to preserve the sacred traditions of the Church while allowing for meaningful cultural expressions of faith. This balance can be achieved through dialogue, education, and a renewed understanding of the liturgy’s profound symbolism.

Ultimately, the Our Father remains a prayer of profound unity, regardless of the position in which we pray it. In the Philippines, as elsewhere, it is a reminder that we are all children of God, bound together in prayer, hope, and faith. Whether standing with hands open in prayer or with hands folded in reverence, our hearts remain united in the offering of our lives to God.

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The Archdiocese of San Fernando on February 07 2023 released a Circular Letter on the policy of raising hands during the Lord’s Prayer. Please see below. 

HIS EXCELLENCY THE REVEREND MEMBERS OF THE CLERGY, MEN AND WOMEN RELIGIOUS AND THE LAITY OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA REITERATION OF POLICY ON THE RAISING OF HANDS AND HOLDING OF HANDS DURING THE “IBPA MI” IN THE CELEBRATION OF THE MASS Anent: 

1. Circular Letter 24, Series 2000, Policy-Norm (Pink)-Liturgical Guidelines in the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the Archdiocese of San Fernando 

2. Circular Letter 42, Series 2005, Information (White) - CBCP Clarification on the “Holding of Hands” during the Eucharistic Celebration 

“it is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.” 1 Timothy 2:8 Regarding the question whether the lay faithful are allowed to raise hands and hold hands during the “Our Father ” in the celebration of the Mass: The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) does not forbid it, nor speaks of it. Nevertheless, the Italian Roman Missal states as translated “The faithful can hold or raise hands during the ‘Lord’s Prayer’. This signifies the fraternal communion we have as children of God, when this is done with dignity. (Precicazioni circa la normativa liturgica, 2nd edition. LEV. Citta del Vaticano 1963, p. 50). That the faithful should not do the “orans” position during the Lord’s Prayer is not historically founded. It is not liturgically founded; it is not legislated in any rubric or norm in the liturgical books. Every now and then a mere opinion comes out. 

To put to rest the issue; in the Precisazioni of the New Italian Roman Missal 2019, the Episcopal Conference definitively reiterates: “During the singing and the recitation of the “Our Father” you can keep your hands outstretched; this gesture is done with a dignity and sobriety, in an atmosphere of filial prayer” (Missale Romano, num. 8, L111). In the past, the Lord’s Prayer was considered a priestly prayer; the liturgical reform promoted by the Second Vatican Council has restored it as a prayer of the whole celebrating assembly. Therefore, the “orans” posture expresses the prayer directed to God by his children. This gesture is not a case of the laity trying to usurp priestly functions. In Section C. Communion Rite, the Our Father subsection b. of Circular Letter 24, Series 2000, Policy Norm (Pink) - Liturgical Guidelines in the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the Archdiocese of San Fernando, we reiterate the liturgical policy of our predecessor “The Eucharistic Liturgy recommends that in a Mass where there is singing, the “Our Father” be usually sung (see SCR, Instructioni Inter Oecumenici, #48, g: SCR. Instruction Musicam Sacram, #29.c) which places the Lord’s Prayer in the first category. i.e. those songs recommended for use in all Masses with singing. The people may extend their hands apart and upwards, that is, the “orans” gesture used by the priest during the Lord’s Prayer.” 

In Circular Letter 42, Series 2005. Information (White) CBCP Clarification on the “Holding of Hands” during the Eucharistic Celebration, we reiterate “There has been NO directive from the bishops (Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines) that bans this practice (ie., holding of hands while singing the Our Father during the celebration of the Mass) among priests and laypeople.” The title of the issued CBCP clarification stated it simply: “No ban on Our Father singing, holding hands.” As a matter of exception, particular liturgical directives and issued accordingly when there are medical health concern/s that calls for needed prohibitions of this or other liturgical practices. Wherefore, to provide the People of God in the Archdiocese of San Fernando the clarification on these matters, we reiterate the following policies: 

1. The people may extend their hands apart and upwards, the ancient “orans” gesture used by the priest during the Lord’s Prayer in the celebration of the Mass. 

2. The people may raise and hold hands while singing the “Our Father” during the celebration of the Mass.

3. As a matter of exception, particular liturgical directives are issued accordingly when there are medical health concern/s that calls for needed prohibitions of this or other liturgical practices and/or activities. 

We enjoin the reverend parish priests, parish liturgy ministers, and catechists to provide the needed catechesis on the traditional religious gesture of the “orans” position and the holding of hands during the Lord’s Prayer in the celebration of the Mass. We fervently appeal to all concerned to humbly comply with this liturgical directive in accordance with Vatican II and in conformity with the spirit and objective of our Archdiocesan Integrated Pastoral Plan. 

(Sgd.) Rev. Fr. Danny Q. Nacpil 

Chancellor (Sgd.) 

Florentino G. Lavarias, D.D. 

Archbishop of San Fernando 

07 February 2023