We went to see my MIL in a home yesterday. So we were two hours away from our home parish.
The Priest at the parish we attended was a veritable drama queen about how hard “HE” had to work to celebrate the new translation. He told us many times about it, including begging for applause at the end.
He was still winging it through the Kyrie, saying “Lord Jesus, you are the chosen peacemaker. Lord have mercy.” and he messed up the words to the offertory, but I can’t remember what he said.
All in all, the people were receptive. Being the first week, there were still a lot of “And also with you.” being heard, but everyone was putting in an effort.
Now, here is the question. I’ve attended two parishes in my home Diocese. In the guide, it instructed us to strike our breast during “through my fault....” and to bow during “and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary.....”. Yesterday, no gesture instructions were given at the parish we attended yesterday.
Are the gestures supposed to be there or not?
Yes. (I saw it in the local newspaper, and also, we have them in the Spanish liturgy.)
I'm looking forward to the new prayers, and will especially listen for the Quality Adjectives, when I go to English Mass for Immaculate Conception.
My parish has been practicing "And with your spirit" for several weeks. Most were saying it at Mass on Thanksgiving Day.
**Are the gestures supposed to be there or not?**
Absolutely! We pray with our bodies as well as with our words, mind, etc.
Have you ever done something wrong and said, “Mea culpa?” Even non-Catholics understand that.
Have you ever done something wrong or heard swearing or saw someone commit a sin, and you struck your breast, in a way, saying, “Lord, I’m sorry I heard, saw, witnessed that.”
I have. My kids knew very well when I struck my breast (no words) that I was saying that it was my fault.
And they were there at the Anticipated Mass Saturday evening in Virginia, where we were visiting family.
Just fyi, I can recommend St. Bridget's parish in Richmond as a straight up "say the black, do the red" parish.