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Views from the Choir Loft

How Is The “Kiss of Peace” Done Properly?

Jeff Ostrowski · July 27, 2017

HEN I SERVED as Master of Ceremonies in the 1990s, I got the PAX (“Kiss of Peace”) and gave it to the Thurifer. Years later, a priest told me this was a liturgical abuse. In his famous ceremonies book, Fr. Adrian Fortescue (page 105) says Thurifer and Master of Ceremonies do receive the PAX—but this was 100 years ago, so there’s a real question whether he assumes those people will be clerics.

In this FSSP video, the M.C. and Thurifer do receive the PAX. However, they are also clerics—so this might muddy the question:


For centuries, the Kiss of Peace has ceased to be an actual kiss. Fortescue describes it thus:

The kiss of peace at Mass is given in this way. The two persons stand facing each other with hands joined. The one who is to receive the kiss bows. Then the one who gives it lays his hands on the shoulders of the other; the receiver puts his arms under those of him who gives it. Both bow the head over the left shoulder of the other. The one who gives the kiss says “Pax tecum.” The other answers “Et cum spiritu tuo.” Then they stand again with folded hands facing each other, and both bow.

When it comes to Italian liturgical terms, I love what Fortescue says here:

096 Fortescue Italian Terms


By the way, the “Agnus Dei” in the video was sung by the 2017 Sacred Music Symposium.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

    PDF • “For General Use Until Advent”
    If you conduct a volunteer choir, you might consider using this Simple Piece #40273 (“Adésto Sáncta Trínitas”) which can be used during the rest of the liturgical season until Advent. It's based on the well known hymn tune: OLD HUNDREDTH. Rehearsal videos are available at #40691. A live recording of #40273 (“Adésto Sáncta Trínitas”) by a volunteer choir is here (#40065).
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Introit • (This Coming Sunday)
    Our volunteer choir appreciates training videos, so here's my attempt at recording “Exáudi Dómine Vocem Meam,” which is the INTROIT for this coming Sunday. This coming Sunday is Dominica Post Ascensionem (“Sunday after the feast of the Ascension”). It is sung according to the official rhythm of the Catholic Church.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Volunteer Choir Attempts “Kýrie Eléison”
    My volunteer choir attempted the polyphonic KYRIE that will be sung at this year's Sacred Music Symposium. If you're interested, you can listen to the live recording from last Sunday. The piece is based on the ancient plainchant hymn melody: Ave Maris Stella. Polyphony like this is truly intricate and wonderful. It reminds me of the quote by Artur Schnabel: “music that's greater than it can be performed.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

Using the shoddiest, sleaziest material we have for the purpose of glorifying God is not very sound theology or even very good common sense. […] (In general, when you see a diminished seventh chord in a hymn, run.) And these chords are usually used in bad hymns in precisely the same order in which they occur in “Sweet Adeline.”

— Paul Hume (1956)

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