Grace Thompson
The Sign of the Cross is the most common Catholic prayer, performed at the beginning and end of all other prayers, as well as to mark a variety of other significant moments. The act of signing the cross is not unique to Catholicism, and is also performed by Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans, and some other Mainline Protestants. While there is no proper hand position, the Sign of the Cross is a deliberate and slow movement, often performed with three fingers held together to represent the Trinity. The direction of the horizontal movement varies depending on the church and its traditions, with some performing it from left to right, and others from right to left.
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What You'll Learn
The direction of the cross
There are differing views on the direction of the cross. Some sources state that the Roman Catholic sign of the cross goes from left to right with the horizontal. One reason given for this direction is that it is a reference to the final judgement, where those who are sent to the left are damned, and those on the right are saved.
However, others state that the direction can vary depending on the tradition of the church. For example, some Catholics may go from right to left, which was the traditional direction before Spain was evangelized and its people mirrored the priest. Additionally, there is no "proper" hand position when making the sign of the cross, as this is a matter of culture rather than church discipline.
The sign of the cross should be deliberate and slow, and it is important to bring the hands back to the prayer position at the end. This final gesture shows reverence and ensures that anyone who sees the action knows it is the sign of the cross and that the person is Catholic.
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Hand and finger placement
There are differing opinions on the "proper" way to do the Catholic sign of the cross, with variations depending on the tradition of the church one attends, and whether one is blessing oneself or another person.
Some sources state that the sign of the cross should be made with three fingers held together, representing the Trinity. The index, middle, and thumb are held together, with the ring and pinky fingers remaining adjoined. This is said to symbolize Christ being fully man and fully God.
Other sources mention that the sign of the cross can also be made with two fingers, the index and middle fingers, pointing upward, with the middle finger slightly bent.
The direction in which the sign of the cross is made also varies. Some say that the movement goes from left to right, with the horizontal line made first, as a reference to the final judgment, where those on the left are damned and those on the right are saved.
However, others argue that the traditional and orthodox way is to move from right to left, with the right fingers moving from the right shoulder to the left, creating a sense of openness and spiritual development. This is also said to be the way to invite the Holy Spirit in.
In some Catholic regions, like Spain, Italy, and Latin America, it is customary to form a cross with the index finger and thumb and then kiss the fingers afterward.
The sign of the cross can be made on various parts of the body or in the air. It typically includes the forehead, which symbolizes Heaven, the solar plexus or top of the stomach, which represents the earth, and the shoulders, which represent power.
The sign of the cross is often accompanied by a spoken or mental prayer, such as "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Overall, the specific hand and finger placement may vary depending on personal preference, regional customs, and the specific tradition within Catholicism.
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When to make the sign of the cross
The Sign of the Cross is a ritual hand motion made by the vast majority of the world's Christians. It is not exclusive to Catholics, but is also used by Anglicans, Lutherans, Orthodox Christians, and Methodists.
The Sign of the Cross is made by touching the hand to the forehead, sternum, and then both shoulders. The direction of the movement varies between denominations. Roman Catholics move their hands from right to left, from the forehead to the chest, then from the left shoulder to the right shoulder. Most Eastern Christians do it in the opposite order: from left to right.
The Sign of the Cross is made at several points during Mass. The priest or deacon makes the Sign of the Cross on the book and on their forehead, lips, and breast when announcing the Gospel text. The congregation also makes the sign on their forehead, lips, and heart at this time. The priest will also make the sign when blessing the congregation.
The Sign of the Cross is also made during baptism. In the Catholic Church, the priest makes the sign on the forehead of the person being baptised. In the Anglican Church, the sign of the cross during baptism is optional.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church recommends that Catholics begin their day, their prayers, and their activities with the Sign of the Cross. This practice sanctifies their daily life and elevates whatever activity they are about to undertake.
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The meaning of the cross
The cross is a sacred and solemn symbol of the Catholic faith. It is a reminder of the love, redemption and sacrifice of Christ, core principles of Christianity. The crucifix, a cross with the figure of Christ, is a unique emblem for Catholics, fostering a deep personal connection with Jesus. The crucifix is a potent reminder of Christ's profound sacrifice, granting his followers the opportunity for salvation.
The cross is also a symbol of suffering, echoing the challenges and trials Catholics are called to embrace in life. It is a reminder that suffering can have meaning when combined with the sacrifice Jesus went through to save humanity. The cross is death, and a reminder of the death of Jesus, a form of execution that is not hidden or glossed over.
The cross is also a symbol of hope, reminding Catholics of the promise of eternal life through Christ's sacrifice. It is a symbol of universal divine benevolence, with an impact that can be compared to Christ's saving sacrifice. The cross is a reminder of God's redemption plan, inspiring believers to adopt the gospel of undying love and eternal salvation.
The sign of the cross is made by touching the forehead, the chest, the left shoulder, and then the right shoulder with the right hand and two straight fingers (middle and index fingers). The horizontal movement goes from left to right. This movement is said to be a reference to the final judgement, where those sent to the left are damned, and those sent to the right are saved.
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The speed of the movement
The speed at which one makes the Sign of the Cross is a matter of personal preference, but several sources emphasise that the movement should not be rushed. One source states that the sign of the cross should be made "deliberately and slowly at an average speed". Another source notes that the Sign of the Cross is a creed—a statement of belief—and that it should not be "rushed through".
The Sign of the Cross is the most common Catholic prayer and is made at numerous points during Catholic services and in everyday life. For example, Catholics make the sign when they begin and end their prayers, when they enter and leave a church, and when they start Mass. Given the frequency with which Catholics make the sign, it is important not to rush it and to maintain reverence.
The speed at which the Sign of the Cross is made may also depend on the specific context in which it is being made. For example, when blessing a deacon before they read the Gospel, the priest uses the sign of the cross, and the speed of this movement may differ from the speed at which an individual Catholic makes the sign when entering a church.
Overall, while there is no definitive rule regarding the speed of the movement, it is clear that the Sign of the Cross is an important and meaningful gesture in the Catholic faith and should be made with intention and reverence.
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Frequently asked questions
The sign of the cross is a sacramental, defined by the Catholic Church as "sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments" and which signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature.
The sign of the cross is made by tracing an upright cross or Greek cross across the body with the right hand. The movement echoes the traditional shape of the cross of the crucifixion of Jesus. The direction of the movement varies: some people go from left to right, while others go from right to left.
Yes, there is a small sign of the cross and a large sign of the cross. The small sign of the cross is made on the forehead, or objects, with the thumb (sometimes using holy water or anointing oil). The large sign of the cross is a four-point movement traced across the chest or in the air.
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