Just prior to the Agnus Dei, the optional (though seldom omitted) sign of peace is sung or said. Unfortunately, there are often excesses in what ought to be a modest greeting to those immediately nearby.
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Don’t get me started on that do-called Sign of Peace. I can’t help but think that some malevolent force was involved in the placement of that interruption at such a sacred moment.
If it is so important for me to greet my fellow congregants it should be done at the beginning of Mass.
We are still in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
I will greet one or two people next to me — four at the most. Then I bow my head and close my eyes as I solemnly fold my hands for the Lamb of God.
Msgr. Pope’s parish DOES do a ‘greeting’ just before the beginning of the Mass.