Traditional
Roman
Catholicism
|
Striking of the Breast
How:
With either a fist or with the tips of the fingers, held close together, strike your chest over the heart to express
regret and sorrow
When:
at the Mass, formally: at each "mea culpa" during the Confiteor; at the Nobis Quoque Peccatoribus (priest);
three times during the Agnus Dei; and three times during the Domine, Non Sum Dignus
informally: at the "forgive us our trespasses" ("dimitte nobis debita nostra") in the "Our Father"; any time to
express penitence inside or outside of the Liturgy . Also when praying the "Salve Regina", the Hail Holy Queen
at the "O Clemens, O pia, O dulci Virgo Maria!" ( O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.) When you pray,
"Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us"
