BE IN THE KNOW | GENUFLECTION

Genuflection [Latin genu flectere, geniculare (post-classic), to bend the knee; Greek gonu klinein or kamptein] is the bending of the knee to the ground. For Catholics, it is a common and essential gesture ultimately directed towards God, truly present in the Holy Eucharist. Based on the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), the action is "made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and therefore it is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament." It is a general custom in the Roman Rite that a person should genuflect on one knee whenever s/he passes the tabernacle (which houses the Blessed Sacrament). 

In one custom, when people enter a Catholic church and walk to their pew, they would genuflect before sitting down. However, please take note that genuflection is only necessary when "passing" the tabernacle." In another custom, although not universal in practice, people genuflect on two knees when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed on the altar in a gold monstrance for public adoration. 

Aside from these instances, there are a few other circumstances when a genuflection is asked for special occasions. For instance, it is customary to genuflect before “the Holy Cross from the solemn adoration during the liturgical celebration on Good Friday until the beginning of the Easter Vigil.” During this solemn period of the year, the cross receives special attention, and the genuflection gives honor to the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross. On the same day, when the Blessed Sacrament has been removed to the altar of repose, we do not genuflect before the empty tabernacle.

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Sources:

[1] Aleteia | When should Catholics genuflect in a church?

(https://aleteia.org/2018/04/24/when-should-catholics-genuflect-in-a-church/)

[2] New Advent | Genuflexion

(https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06423a.htm)

[3] Office of the Liturgy of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw | When should we bow and genuflect at Mass?

(https://saginaw.org/sites/default/files/2018-01/week9.pdf)

[4] The Southern Cross | Catholics: Do You Know When to Genuflect?

(https://www.scross.co.za/2017/11/when-to-genuflect/)

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