text: I wonder what the "reformed" liturgy of  medieval French monks could be to 21st century American Sunday-Mass Catholics. At Cluny the monks celebrated the Hours and the Mass daily. The choir monks were taught the chants and some could even read Latin. The laity in the nave, not so much, just as is our situation. Cluny  was so devoted  to the liturgy that they had to hire laborers for their fields and flocks. "Orare" outweighed "laborare." Today's laity have little knowledge of liturgical music and prayer, and must spend most of their waking hours on other responsibilities. If holding hands helps people to feel connected to their fellow worshipers, well and good. In my parish the "sign of Peace" at the Agnus Dei seems to be much more meaningful.