Solemn, Ordinary Form of Blessing
Unlike before the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council, in current practice, the final blessing precedes the Rite of Dismissal. After the customary greeting, the priest may impart a simple blessing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then, on other given occasions, a solemn or more formal blessing may be bestowed. In these latter instances, the deacon (or in his absence the priest) issues the invitation, “Bow down for the blessing.” Then, the priest gives three invocations, each concluding with the people saying, “Amen”. Afterwards, he concludes by imparting the simple Trinitarian blessing. The Roman Missal also provides what are called Prayers over the People which, by and large, conform with the prior set of rubrics.
Pontifical or Episcopal Blessing
As is typical at the end of the Mass officiated by a priest, the episcopal or pontifical blessing—as the name implies—is only imparted by a bishop, especially when one of the approved formulas in the liturgical books is used. According to the rubrics found in the Ordo Missae no. 143, “In a Pontifical Mass, the celebrant receives the miter and, extending his hands, says the regular liturgical greeting or, ‘The Lord be with you'” (Lat. Dominus vobiscum). Then, two verses from the Psalms (Pss 113:2; 124:8), with each divided into two parts are followed by the actual invocation. The bishop says, “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” and the people reply, “Now and forever.” He then adds, “Our help is in the name of the Lord,” and the people’s reply is, “Who made heaven and earth.” Then, with the crozier or pastoral staff – if he uses it—the bishop imparts the blessing, “May almighty God bless you, the Father, +and the Son, +and the Holy Spirit.” The people respond, “Amen.”
In the Ceremonial of Bishops (Lat. Ceremoniale Episcoporum), the aforementioned solemn formula is not designated as mandatory. Instead, a formula of blessing which priests can also use is endorsed: “May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ”, followed by, “May almighty God bless you, the Father, +and the Son, +and the Holy Spirit.” And the people respond in the usual manner – “Amen.”
Psalm 113:2 – Blessed be the name of the Lord. both now and forever.
Psalm 124:8 – Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Nature and dignity 