Psalm 47 begins with these words: “Clap your hands, all you people, shout for joy to God.” As we can see, there is a religious tradition of expressing joy and excitement in celebrations by clapping your hands. In the Roman Missal, certain moments during the celebration are emphasized that call for an enthusiastic response from the assembly, a response often called “acclamation” in the rubrics.
Indeed, applause is not included in the liturgical books, but it is not expressly prohibited in them either. Here at Saint Matthew, we have the custom of accompanying musical instruments with applause during the Eucharist. Applause joins singing as a fair way of manifesting this joy and gratitude to God. All in a balanced way, without losing the main objective which is to praise God and to express adoration or joy to our Heavenly Father.
Fr. Martin
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