Chapter IV-D. Some General Rules for All Forms of Mass
Veneration of the Altar and the Book of the Gospels 232.
According to traditional liturgical practice, the altar and the
Book of the Gospels are kissed as a sign of veneration. But if
this sign of reverence is not in harmony with the traditions or
the culture of the region, the conference of bishops may
substitute some other sign, after informing the Apostolic See.
Genuflections and Bows 233. Three genuflections are made during
the Mass: after the showing of the eucharistic bread, after the
showing of the chalice, and before communion. If there is a
tabernacle with the blessed sacrament in the sanctuary, a
genuflection is made before and after Mass and whenever anyone
passes in front of the Blessed Sacrament. 234. There are two
kinds of bow, a bow of the head and a bow of the body: a) A bow
of the head is made when the three divine Persons are named
together and at the name of Jesus, Mary and the saint in whose
honor Mass is celebrated. b) A bow of the bo