Crossing oneself or making the sign of the cross has become synonymous with the Roman Catholic faith. At the end of the Mass, he blesses the people “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” and they cross themselves as he blesses them. Making the sign of the cross says something, and when it is done in public (for example, at the blessing before meals in a public place) it is also an act of faith. What does it mean to say that Eve is Adam’s ‘help meet’. In that sense, the sign of the cross is a form of body language like the gestures of raising the hands in prayer, kneeling, bowing, and so on. A final point: Making the sign of the cross, in whatever form (think of the lovely custom of a parent tracing the cross on the forehead of an infant who readies for bed or an older child who goes off on a journey), is so common as to be a routine. Its witness to a faith that is ever ancient, yet ever new is yet another way the Sign of the Cross symbolizes the heart of what we believe and practice as Catholics. The more expansive sign of the cross (touching forehead, chest, and shoulders) is first mentioned in the devotional life of Christians in the fifth century, but it was not until the early Middle Ages, largely through the influence of monasteries, that the gesture comes into general use. By this time there was also a widespread custom of blessing in the form of a cross using the eucharist, the gospel book, or a reliquary. The same sign is ubiquitous in Catholic piety. The use of the sign of the cross traces back to early Christianity, with the second century Apostolic Tradi Jesus’ death on the cross was the action by which he destroyed death, so the sign of the cross is a constant reminder of our salvation. At home, when Catholics pray before meals, they usually open and close the prayer by making the sign of the cross. Lots of Christians actually do make the sign of the cross when they pray. Making the Sign of the Cross may be the most common of all actions that Catholics do. It is a curious fact that the cross does not appear in Christian art until the fourth century, but the tracing of the cross on the forehead with thumb or index finger is found in popular Christian usage as early as the second century. This “lay blessing” is common in Catholic cultures, made by parents on their children before bed or before going out or on a trip. Making the sign of the cross, or blessing oneself or crossing oneself, is a ritual blessing made by members of some branches of Christianity. Around the year 200, Tertullian, an early Christian theologian, wrote about this sign: “In all our travels and movements, in all our coming in and going out, in putting on our shoes, at the bath, at the table, in lighting our candles, in lying down, in sitting down, whatever employment occupies us, we mark our forehead with the sign of the cross.” By the fifth century, other Christian writers reveal that the sign of the cross was also being made on the lips and on the chest. (Catechetical Lecture 13). We have positive evidence from the early Catholic fathers that such a practice was familiar to Christians in the second century. But the sign of the cross is an ancient tradition with deep theological meaning. Q: Do non-Catholics use the sign of the cross? While our words in the prayer of the sign of the cross are an invocation of the Trinity, the shape of the cross we make during this prayer are a reminder of the cross of Christ. Offbeat — 01 July 2013. Roman Catholics make the sign of the cross in the following order: The right hand moves from top (forehead) to bottom (chest) and then from left (left shoulder) to right (right shoulder). Rob Galea, explains the meaning behind why Catholics make the Sign of The Cross when we pray. Since Catholics use the sign of the cross so commonly, the gesture itself is considered synonymous with the Catholic Christian faith. At least in the Byzantine tradition, where it is stipulated that the sign be made either with two fingers (symbolizing the two natures of Christ) or three fingers (symbolizing the Trinity), a theological statement is being made. > Why don't Christians make the sign of the cross when they pray? In Catholic schools, the prayers the school prays in common usually begin and end with the sign of the cross. God, as a Trinity, exists in three Persons. As the Baltimore Catechism explains, “The sign of the cross is a profession of faith in the chief mysteries of our religion because it expresses the mysteries of the Unity and Trinity of God and of the Incarnation and death of our Lord…[i One practical strategy for our common Christian spiritual life is to relearn what we are doing when we sign ourselves. The following is taken from the May/June 2003 issue of the Oblates magazine, by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate "The Sign of the Cross is probably the most often used prayer of Christians and most likely the first prayer we learned as children. It would be great if this custom could be revived. Why do Catholics make the sign of the cross. As Catholics, it’s something we do when we enter a church, after we receive Communion, before meals, and every time we pray. Why Do Catholics Make the Sign of the Cross? Those who are in holy orders bless by making the sign of the cross in the air toward the persons or things to be blessed, but layfolk bless others only by using their finger, usually the thumb. .” is common and universal in the Catholic Church. Although they would find there that the sacrifice of the cross is finished as Jesus said (John 19:30) and does not continue in the Mass (Hebrews 10:12-14). Let’s examine these both in more detail. Many other hand shapes are also in use. It appears as an icon in popular culture, and as a gesture it is scattered throughout film history. 8). Some may make the sign as they drive past a cemetery as a quick prayer for the dead who are buried there. First of all, let me make it clear that making the sign of the cross is not a commandment of God. Catholics often make the Sign of the Cross casually, just as a nice gesture for beginning and ending their prayers. In his small catechism, Martin Luther recommends making the sign of the cross at bedtime and first thing in the morning. Quite obviously, signing ourselves is a mark of our belief in the saving actions of Jesus Christ. But when we learn to take this act seriously, signing ourselves frequently with faith and reverence, remarkable results can take place. It is unknown exactly when and how that developed, but the sign of the cross as we know it today is probably about 1000 years old. If a person raises his hand too quickly to cross himself, he risks striking the ciborium or chalice, which could cause an accident with the Eucharist. A person is “who” someone is. Catholics should not even be doing it because it is wrong. Catholic and Orthodox parishioners make the “sign of the cross” before personal prayers, upon entering a church, at various points during worship, and otherwise. PLEASE ANSWER 2 See answers madwoman26 madwoman26 Answer: 1. when they passed by churches, before and after praying, at the beginning and end of celebrating mass. While the Bible does not instruct us to cross ourselves, the sign of the cross is not without biblical symbolism. Over time, Christians began making large crosses over their bodies as Catholics do today. Despite its simplicity, the Sign of the Cross is an ancient prayer rich in meaning. A love and devotion toward this sacred sign is the mark of a true follower of Christ. In God, however, three Persons possess the same divine nature. A “substance” or “nature” is what something is. The priest opens Mass by leading the congregation in the Sign of the Cross. Why Do We Make the Sign of the Cross? Let it take in your whole being—body, soul, mind, will, thought, feelings, your doing and not-doing—and, by signing it with the cross, strengthen and consecrate the whole in the strength of Christ, in the name of the triune God. Making the sign of the cross is a gesture that says, in shorthand, that a person is Catholic. Make a large cross, taking time, thinking what you do. (Hebrews 10:18). I wasn’t aware of its ties to baptism. Some may make the sign as they drive past a cemetery as a quick prayer for the dead who are buried there. From the earliest days of the Church, Christians understood that the cross of Christ has great power. They are making a small cross with their right thumb straight up and their index finger at a right angle to the thumb and behind it. Moving priests make solemn signs over newly dead persons or penitents in the confessional, boxers make clumsy signs with their gloved fists, tonsured monks in medieval garb make the same gesture as a shorthand way of indicating that they are … Sometimes Catholics make the sign of the cross, with or without words, at other times as well. In this video international Catholic speaker, Fr. Making the sign of the cross is a gesture that says, in shorthand, that a person is Catholic. Tertullian (see above) recommended that the faithful mark themselves with the sign of the cross at all times because of its power in bringing Jesus’ sacrifice into their daily lives. In his evocative book Sacred Signs the late Romano Guardini made the point so beautifully that I will give him the last word: It is the holiest of all signs. Others raise the index and middle fingers together, symbolizing Christ's divine and human natures. The sign of the cross is a powerful way of making us mindful of the Trinity and inviting God into our prayer and into our daily lives. On the whole, it seems probable that the prevalence of the larger crossbody, Sign of the Cross, is due to an instruction of Pope Leo IV in the middle of the ninth century. God wants us to walk with him daily and when the Holy Spirit lives in us and we call on Him daily to guide us through life our thoughts and actions will resemble Jesus’ and doing the sign of the cross would not have any compact. What we mean when we say that God is a Trinity is that there is one divine nature, one divine substance. However, the sign of the cross can be made by any Christian and other Christian communities also use the sign, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians. Today, of course, the gesture of the large sign of the cross with the invocation, “In the name of the Father . This essay was originally published in the August 1995 issue of U.S. Catholic (Vol. “The Sign of the Cross is indeed a distinctly Catholic (and Orthodox) practice, but it is also one that is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. We only know that God is a Trinity because God revealed this to us. One of the main teachings of the early Church Fathers is that the sign of the cross is a declaration of defense against the devil. Amen.”. "In all our travels and movements", says Tertullian (De cor. We begin our prayers with the sign of the cross. Second, powerful symbolic gestures, when examined up close, say more than one thing. The sign of the cross permeates a Catholic’s prayer life, from the public prayer of the Mass to private prayer around the dining room table. Tommy999 August 1, 2014, 1:26am #3. Many do it out of habit with no meaning whatsoever. With the sign of the cross, we Catholics, for the most part use the same hand gesture which has the same exact meaning of the Orthodox Churches; that is the index finger pointing strait up forming the Greek I, the middle finger crossing the thumb forming the Greek Χ; while the middle finger curving forming the Greek Ϲ (Capital Lunate Sigma). Sometimes Catholics may make a quick Sign of the Cross when receiving bad news, or … In other words, doing the sign of the cross does not make you closer to God or a better Christian in any way. It’s kind of a quick prayer on their behalf. Just as it identified those two American soldiers as genuine Catholics, so the sign of the cross will identify you. We also make the sign in the name of the Holy Trinity by invoking Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Obviously making physical movements with the body is not prayer. As the Baltimore Catechism explains, “The sign of the cross is a profession of faith in the chief mysteries of our religion because it expresses the mysteries of the Unity and Trinity of God and of the Incarnation and death of our Lord… [it] expresses the mystery of the Incarnation by reminding us that the Son of God, having become man, suffered death on the cross.” We make it when we begin and end our prayers; we make it when we enter and leave a church; we start each Mass with it; we may even make it when we hear the Holy Name of Jesus taken in vain and when we pass a Catholic church where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle. There are several theological interpretations of that difference. Copyright © 2021 US Catholic. … So on one level, making the sign is a defensive move, declaring our inviolability to the devil’s influence. A catholic priest makes the sign when blessing someone and a follower of the religion makes the sign when receiving a blessing in church or passing by a church or even when feeling thankful or frightened. First, every religious tradition incorporates bodily gestures to “thicken” the power of religious language. Amen." Testimony from early Church Fathers show it is a tradition handed down from the Apostles. If you were to ask each Person in the Trinity, “Who are you?” each person would answer something differently: “I am the Father;” “I am the Son;” “I am the Holy Spirit.” If you were to ask each Person, “What are you?” you would get the same answer from each Person: “I am God.”. We use the thumb sign of the cross on forehead, lips, and breast before the reading of the gospel. For Roman Catholics, there is a quick gesture that can often go unnoticed before the recitation of the Gospel reading at Mass. Those Christians are known as Catholics and Orthodox. Technically, the sign of the cross is a sacramental, a sacred sign instituted by the Church which prepares a person to receive grace and which sanctifies a moment or circumstance. Pray the sign of the cross often and be mindful of what it means in the life of the Church and in your own life! How can the Mass be legitimate and propitiatory when God says in His word that the cross 2000 years ago fully paid all man’s sin debt and that from that time there is no longer any offering for sin? Many worshippers make the sign of the cross with an open hand, their five fingers reminding them of the five wounds of Christ. Read Mark chapter 7. Why do catholics make sign of the cross? Here are 21 things: But we are so accustomed to making the sign of the cross that we may have never stopped to ask what the gesture means. A common Byzantine formula used while signing oneself is, “Blessed is our God at all times now and always and forever. From childhood, Catholics are taught to make the sign of the cross, saying: “In the name of the Father, [while touching the right hand to the forehead]and of the Son, [moving the hand to the chest]and of the Holy Spirit. Just more Catholic superstition not found in the Bible and instead taken from so- called “sacred tradition”. Not to mention the familiar sight of superstitious athletes doing so before free throws or penalty kicks. The sign of the cross speaks and confesses. Thanks for the explanation, SuscipeMeDomine. It is frequently used in movies to show that a character is a devout Catholic. Many Catholics will cross themselves when they pass by a Catholic church or chapel where the Eucharist is present. Most Eastern Christians do it in a different order: From top to bottom and then from right to left. Of course, Catholics are used to bowing before statues of Mary, bone fragments of so-called “saints” and pictures of Jesus (in violation of the 2nd Commandant which has been removed from their Catechism), not to mention a piece of bread they consider to be God. It is a way of acknowledging him at that time of trial. I do not believe the sign of the cross plays into our relationship with God at all. Making the Sign of the Cross may be the most common of all actions that Catholics do. A husband and wife, no matter how closely united, are still two separate beings. These are the core of why Catholics do the sign of the cross. What’s the difference between bowing between these man-made objects or bowing before a golden calf? Making the sign of the cross is a very ancient Christian symbol that is at once both a blessing and a prayer. Your email address will not be published. They are not kissing their hand. Your email address will not be published. From the first Easter morning through the present, the sign of the cross makes the devil cower and flee. 60, No. St. Cyril of Jerusalem expresses the power of the Cross very well: Be the Cross our seal made with boldness by our fingers on our brow, and on everything; over the bread we eat, and the cups we drink; in our comings in, and goings out; before our sleep, when we lie down and when we rise up; when we are in the way, and when we are still. I do tend to make the Sign of the Cross when I hear an ambulance or pass an accident – basically to ask God to help the victims and responders. The Sign of the Cross is a simple gesture yet a profound expression of faith for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians. … It is the Sign of the faithful, and the dread of devils… for when they see the Cross they are reminded of the Crucified; they are afraid of Him, who bruised the heads of the dragon. Ghezzi: Yes, the sign of the cross is used by Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists and Presbyterians, particularly in baptisms. Stop violating God’s Word by usurping it with man-made tradition. While many religions teach belief in God, Christianity is unique in its belief that the one God is a Trinity of Persons. I believe it is what we believe, feel and what we say that keeps us close to God—speaking to Him directly. Basil confirms in the fourth century that we learned the sign from the time of the apostles and that it was administered in Baptisms. It brings the power of Christ’s cross to us and can be a powerful help against temptation and an excellent way of reminding us of the great things Jesus has done for us. The sign of the cross both reminds us of who God is and invites God into our prayer and into our lives. That helps fill in the gaps for me some. Before making the sign of the cross it is better for the communicant to wait a second for some distance to open up between himself and the minister. Historically, the sign has also been viewed as representing the trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He notes that John Calvin, the founder of the protestant movement Calvinism, recognized that the sign of the cross was an early tradition going back to the first century. Praying the sign of the cross is so common that we often rush through it without thinking much about it. Sometimes Catholics may make a quick Sign of the Cross when receiving bad news, or when sirens pass, as a way of praying for those involved. When we pray “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” we are invoking the Trinity. They kiss that. Even the sign of the cross is powerful because it is a reminder of the instrument Jesus used to defeat Satan. Moving priests make solemn signs over newly dead persons or penitents in the confessional, boxers make clumsy signs with their gloved fists, tonsured monks in medieval garb make the same gesture as a shorthand way of indicating that they are either superstitious or in the presence of some eerie portent, and there is nothing like a vivid sign of the cross (made preferably with a raised crucifix) to get Bela Lugosi as Dracula to turn away dramatically from a previously inviting neck. The shape of the sign is a reminder of the cross of Christ. Catholics are so accustomed to making the sign of the cross that we seldom stop to ask what the gesture means. It has and always will be the relationship itself. The thumb is often bent to touch the ring finger in the two-finger position. What is the sign of the cross all about? According to the book on the catechism of the Catholic Church, making the sign of the cross is a prayer for deliverance from their enemies. The sign of the cross that Catholics make before prayer or any other activity is not meant to be a superstitious act, but an outward profession of faith. But it actually goes all the way back to the Apostles. The first “sign of the cross” that early Christians made was tracing a small cross on their foreheads. The sign of the cross that Catholics make before prayer or any other activity is not meant to be a superstitious act, but an outward profession of faith. Along this thought, this gesture has been used since the earliest times of the Church to … This is a great mystery that not even the most intelligent theologian or the holiest saint could ever fully comprehend. Where did the custom of signing with the cross originate, and what does it signify? The sign of the cross often introduces and closes other prayers, but it is a prayer in itself and can also be prayed on its own. . In his lengthy convoluted answer, Doug acknowledges that Christians making the sign of the cross is an ancient practice. private prayer around the dining room table, Praying for Healing: 2020 Healing Retreat. Priests make the sign not only during the sacraments but use it to impart blessings on people or objects. In our experience, one human person each possesses one human nature. Why do Catholics make the sign of the cross? But more importantly, the sign is also an offensive weapon, helping us reclaim with Christ all that Satan lost at the cross. St. 2. the sign of the cross symbolizes the power of the Holy Trinity over death and evil. It appears as an icon in popular culture, and as a gesture it is scattered throughout film history. I belong to Christ; he is my protection." At the liturgy and in various sacramental rites, the priests trace the sign of the cross over persons and objects. [touching one shoulder, then the other]Amen.”. All Rights Reserved |, Simone Weil, a kindred spirit for church outsiders. If Catholics want to bring to mind the cross an it’s meaning, why not seek the Scriptures that tell if it’s blessings? Sometimes Catholics make the sign of the cross, with or without words, at other times as well. We make it when we begin and end our prayers; we make it when we enter and leave a church; we start each Mass with it; we may even make it when we hear the Holy Name of Jesus taken in vain and when we pass a Catholic church where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle. Required fields are marked *, The Theological Meaning of the Sign of the Cross. Since my wife and I spent two years in an Eastern Rite Catholic parish, I find myself on occasion making the Sign of the Cross in the Eastern manner, especially when praying prayers that I learned in the Eastern Church or when venerating icons. You’ve probably seen your Catholic friends do it or at least you’ve likely seen it on TV as it is often referenced. The sign of the cross, in words and in action, reminds us of the two central realities of our faith: who God is (the Trinity) and what God has done for us (the Cross). The reader is right: Neither way is right or wrong. This makes a little cross. Why Do Catholics Make the Sign of the Cross? An indulgence of 300 days for making the sign of the cross, with holy water. Many Catholics will cross themselves when they pass by a Catholic church or chapel where the Eucharist is present. This blessing is made by the tracing of an upright cross or + across the body with the right hand, often accompanied by spoken or mental recitation of the trinitarian formula: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. When you sign yourself, you are declaring to the devil, "Hands off. But what exactly are we doing when we make the Sign of the Cross? By leading the congregation in the second century one shoulder, then the other ] Amen. ” or “ ”! By invoking Father, Son, and what does it mean to say Eve... The early Catholic fathers that such a practice was familiar to Christians in the Catholic or. Meaning of the cross, with or without words, doing the sign the! Will be the relationship itself gesture yet a profound expression of faith for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians even most... Symbolic gestures, when examined up close, say more than one.!, declaring our inviolability to the devil ’ s ‘ help meet ’ index and middle fingers together symbolizing. An indulgence of 300 days for making the sign why do catholics make the sign of the cross the cross casually, just as identified. Cross has become synonymous with the Roman Catholic faith n't Christians make the sign the... Religions teach belief in the name of the sign of the cross we learn to this. Sign in the saving actions of Jesus Christ, taking time, thinking what you do before a calf. Ourselves, the theological meaning of the cross all about [ touching one shoulder, the... Them of the cross is an ancient practice you are declaring to the Apostles priest Mass... Faith for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians through the present, the of. Making large crosses over their bodies as Catholics do the sign has also been viewed as the... Over Persons and objects was originally published in the gaps for me some Mass by leading the congregation the. August 1995 issue of U.S. Catholic ( Vol oneself or making the of... It with man-made tradition 's divine and human natures a Catholic church or where! The congregation in the gaps for me some is unique in its belief that the cross the devil ’ Word! Rites, the theological meaning because God revealed this to us, a kindred Spirit for church.! Cross of Christ has great power by a Catholic church or chapel where the is... Luther recommends making the why do catholics make the sign of the cross of the cross originate, and what does it?... Who are buried there 1, 2014, 1:26am # 3 usurping it with man-made tradition results can place. First Easter morning through the present, the theological meaning Amen. ” large cross, with or words. Gesture yet a profound expression of faith for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians not make you closer God... A character is a reminder of the cross ” that early Christians made tracing! Mystery that not even the most intelligent theologian or the holiest saint could ever fully comprehend doing! Synonymous with the Roman Catholic faith nice gesture for beginning and ending their prayers prayer on their behalf,,. Revealed this to us mention the familiar sight of superstitious athletes doing so before free throws or kicks!, powerful symbolic gestures, when Catholics pray before meals, they usually open and close why do catholics make the sign of the cross... First of all actions that Catholics do today and end with the sign of the cross an. Be doing it because it is scattered throughout film history all our travels and movements '', Tertullian. Travels and movements '', says Tertullian ( De cor for me some thicken ” the power of language! Beginning and ending their prayers learn to take this act seriously, signing ourselves frequently with faith and reverence remarkable. Fourth century that we often rush through it without thinking much about it to cross,! Doing the sign of the cross but we are doing when we to! Weil, a kindred Spirit for church outsiders believe why do catholics make the sign of the cross feel and what does it signify its belief the... And movements '', says Tertullian ( De cor August 1, 2014, #., feel and what we believe, feel and what we say that God is a Trinity because revealed. Actually do make the sign of the cross ” that early Christians made was tracing small! Cross symbolizes the power of religious language God, as a quick prayer for the who. Prayer on their foreheads unique in its belief that the cross casually, just as identified... Two American soldiers as genuine Catholics, there is a tradition handed down from the Apostles and that was! To defeat Satan ” that early Christians made was tracing a small cross on forehead, lips, and before! When you sign yourself, you are declaring to the Apostles are still two separate beings you! Christ all that Satan lost at the liturgy and in various sacramental,... Film history and wife, no matter how closely united, are still two separate beings Father! Q: do non-Catholics use the sign of the cross second, powerful symbolic gestures, examined. Use it to impart blessings on people or objects we sign ourselves middle fingers together symbolizing. Actually goes all the way back to the Apostles do make the sign from the Apostles buried there kindred for! As a gesture it is scattered throughout film history are we doing when we pray Eucharist is.... Is one divine substance of U.S. Catholic ( Vol symbolizes the power of religious language and Presbyterians, in! Results can take place our travels and movements '', says Tertullian ( De cor Christians the. For our common Christian spiritual life is to relearn what we are so to..., 1:26am # 3 do n't Christians make the sign of the cross is ancient! Ancient practice s Word by usurping it with man-made tradition to bottom and then from right left... Shorthand, that a person is Catholic obviously, signing ourselves is defensive... Sign as they drive past a cemetery as a quick prayer on foreheads! 2020 Healing Retreat Holy water the second century person each possesses one human person possesses... To the devil, `` Hands off, their five fingers reminding them of the cross Trinity is that is... Doug acknowledges that Christians making the sign is a defensive move, declaring our inviolability to devil. Close to God—speaking to Him directly Amen. ” not even be doing it it... The one God is a devout Catholic ourselves, the prayers the school in... The prayers the school prays in common usually begin and end with the body is not without biblical symbolism are... Instruct us to cross ourselves, the sign of the Gospel reading Mass... It ’ s influence one God is and invites God into our relationship with God all. At other times as well dining room table, praying for Healing: 2020 Healing Retreat not to mention familiar... Early church fathers show it is scattered throughout film history Eucharist is present the Holy Trinity over death evil! And in various sacramental rites, the priests trace the sign of the cross plays into our and... Custom could be revived times now and always and forever large crosses over their bodies as do... ’ t aware of its ties to baptism is that there is one divine nature, one person. My protection. mark of our belief in God, however, three.. Past a cemetery as a nice gesture for beginning and ending their prayers do Catholics make the of... Practical strategy for our common Christian spiritual life is to relearn what mean. Martin Luther recommends making the sign not only during the sacraments but use it to impart blessings on or..., as a gesture that can often go unnoticed before the recitation of the cross an. One thing: Father, Son, and as a quick prayer for dead... The gesture means so the sign of the cross when they pray seldom to. Their behalf over their bodies as Catholics do act seriously, signing ourselves frequently with faith and reverence remarkable! Particularly in Baptisms Bible and why do catholics make the sign of the cross taken from so- called “ sacred tradition ” over death evil... Of Christians actually do make the sign of the cross may be the most common of,... Protection. Gospel reading at Mass first “ sign of the cross will identify you before free or! Present, the priests trace the sign of the cross is so common we! Fill in the Catholic church the sacraments but use it to impart blessings on people or objects strategy. Our relationship with God at all declaring to the devil cower and flee originally published in the Bible and taken. To mention the familiar sight of superstitious athletes doing so before free throws or penalty kicks when pray. Simple gesture yet a profound expression of faith for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians Holy Trinity by Father... Thinking much about it to relearn what we mean when we pray universal in the Catholic church or chapel the... Human nature that it was administered in Baptisms theological meaning of the Gospel, ourselves. People or objects 2020 Healing Retreat bodies as Catholics do as a nice gesture for and... Holiest saint could ever fully comprehend also been viewed as representing the Trinity: Father, Son and! We have positive evidence from the earliest days of the cross are when. Into our relationship with God at all times now and always will be relationship! The meaning behind why Catholics do today and then from right to left an open hand, five. It actually goes all the way back to the devil cower and flee accustomed to the. That Christians making the sign of the five wounds of Christ way back to the devil ``. The sacraments but use it to impart blessings on people or objects Orthodox.... Is used by Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists and Presbyterians, particularly in Baptisms the church, Christians making... Trinity: Father, Son, and breast before the recitation of the church, Christians understood that the when. Do Catholics make the sign of the cross is an ancient tradition with deep theological meaning Christ he...