When Was The Peace Sign At Catholic Mass Resurrected? (Epistles, hell, churches)

[Calvert Hall '62]

I infer from researching the Internet that it was always present at Mass, but I don't recall people greeting each other during the 1950s or early 60s. I would've guessed that it began later in the 60s or even early 1970s.

[Vizio]

Originally Posted by Calvert Hall '62

I infer from researching the Internet that it was always present at Mass, but I don't recall people greeting each other during the 1950s or early 60s. I would've guessed that it began later in the 60s or even early 1970s.

I grew up Catholic, and I remember learning it as early as the mid-70's...maybe 77 or so. If that helps...it's been at least since then.

[Iam4USC]

I'm a cradle Catholic and grew up in the 70's. I don't ever remember Mass without it. My guess would be Vat II.

[georgeinbandonoregon]

yes, the reintroduction of the "sign (or kiss) of peace" among the laity may be associated with the "reforms" of Vatican 2 and most Catholics started using it in the 70's. that said, it was (and is) used during "high mass" of the traditional "tridentine" rite but only among the clergy (priests and deacons). the practice is supposed to derive from the "holy kiss" mentioned in several of the epistles of Paul and in Peter as well and was apparently commonly used in worship in the early Church and has continued more or less uninterrupted in the liturgy of the Orthodox. a number of protestant churches also have similar practices some of which also became more widespread in the 1970's.


the Wikipedia article "kiss of peace" has the exact scriptural citations and more details of Catholic and Orthodox (and other churches) belief and practice in this matter.

[Calvert Hall '62]

Well, like I say, I do remember it in the 70s -- specifically my Aunt gave me hell for not offering it at a Mass the last time I saw her and that was '73. But going to Catholic elem. school in the '50s and Catholic high school 58-62 we went to Mass every day and never practiced it.

[georgeinbandonoregon]

again, think it's only been widespread for the laity since the 70's----FWIW, I don't recall the sign of peace showing up in parish usage before the mid part of the decade or so. anyone growing up/attending mass prior to that time would probably not have seen it let alone practiced it themselves under normal circumstances at the usual "low mass" unless they attended "high mass" AND were paying close attention to what the priest and assisting clergy were doing at the altar in the sanctuary.


quite frankly, curmudgeon that I am, while aware of both the history and theology of the practice I was not especially enthusiastic about it often was performed with all the wondering around and hand-shaking, and muttered conversation that tended to "interrupt" the service, IMHO. this has been much reduced and now things are a bit more decorous with a simple hand-shake and a quick "peace be with you" shared with those who are near you.

[kevxu]

I do not remember it in the Forties or Fifties. I think it was authorized in 1969 when there was a revised missal.

[Calvert Hall '62]

Your memories coincide with mine.