How Do I Greet A Bishop?

[LaPetiteSoeur]

[quote name='let_go_let_God' timestamp='1331313794' post='2398269']
As a reminder "Greetings Bishy" is not appropriate. As the leader of a college group I had to hold someone back on this one.

God bless-
LGLG

ETA: We had this conversation as she was skipping into the Diocesan office singing "We get to see the Bishy, We get to see the Bishy..."


When I was little I called the bishop the "big chip"
Bridgy, we don't call him the Bishy or your Bishyness.
[/quote]

[AccountDeleted]

In the UK I think it was either My Lord or Your Lordship for a Bishop but still Your Grace for an Archbishop. When I was at a Carmel in the UK, the Prioress had to contact the Bishop and she laughed as she told me that when she first spoke with him on the phone, she called him "My Lord" and he replied, "Yes, My Lady?" so she didn't call him that again!

Not all Bishops seem to like the titles or the ring kissing. Every time I have met a Bishop or Archbishop, I have done it though, except for one time here in Australia. It was at a small country church where the Bishop came to fill in at Mass for our priest who was on holidays, and since there were only five or six of us parishioners in attendance anyway, and no one else genuflected or kissed his ring in the informal atmosphere, it just seemed inappropriate to do it, so I just gave a little bow instead when I was introduced, and we had a lovely chat for awhile. I think one just has to be sensitive to the time, place and situation.

[Guest Belia]

Whenever I meet with our Bishop it's always a little akward wave and then sometimes a handshake. I never really new what to do so it was a little weird. As for what to call him I would always avoid that, but if I had to it would have probably been "sir" or something like that. He's really funny though and super relaxed and that always makes it easier for me.

[Cherie]

When I was in the convent and we met a bishop/archbishop/cardinal, we were expected to genuflect (on the left knee, as Slappo indicated) and kiss his ring. Yes, it made many of them uncomfortable. Yes, we did it even in "informal" environments. But Dust described all the reasons why it's a good practice, and one which our Superiors taught us and expected us to do. I think it's a great thing and I wish it were more commonplace. It's not only for us, it's good for them, too. (Just as the habit was not only good as a witness for other people, it was important for the Sister, too, to remember to behave always in accordance with what is appropriate for a Spouse of Christ.)

[BG45]

[quote name='HopefulBride' timestamp='1331297601' post='2398181'] After mine gets paid. A car hit me near a sidewalk. [/quote]

Sorry!