Arte de celebrar: gestos à Consagração

Voz Portucalense reports that some bishops and priests use unconventional gestures during the consecration of the bread and wine, such as holding the paten with the left hand while reciting the words of institution or making circular motions to offer the host to the congregation. Some celebrants also hold the host with only the thumb and index finger of the right hand.

The current Ordinary of the Mass states that the presiding priest takes the bread and holds it slightly elevated above the altar without specifying the exact method. Older liturgical rubrics, such as the Ritus Servandus, required priests to hold the host between the thumbs and index fingers of both hands and to hold the chalice with both hands.