Q: There is a member of the congregation who always turns to the back of the Chapel at the opening and conclusion of the Mass as the priest processes in and out.  It is notable to see him facing the opposite direction of the rest of the congregation at those times.

Is this consistent with liturgical practice for the Mass?

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A: There’s no rubric for that, but I suspect you’re seeing an exercise of popular devotion in reference to the priest. When I walk in and out for Mass, even in our tiny daily Mass chapel, I sometimes see an individual turning toward me and following my procession toward the sanctuary, bowing as I walk by.

The GIRM has instructions about when bows are to take place, and it never calls for a bow to a priest—even when servers are washing his hands. The Ceremonial of Bishops does call for bows to a bishop. Even there, it does not call for a bow during his procession to and from the sanctuary.

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