Sarah Mitchell
When Catholics bless themselves, they are making the sign of the cross, which is a formal ritual gesture of the church. This gesture is also referred to as a blessing or a sacramental. The sign of the cross is made by touching the forehead, heart, and both shoulders, signifying acceptance of the demands of discipleship over thoughts, desires, and deeds. The small sign of the cross is also made on the forehead with the thumb during rites of baptism and the anointing of the sick. The full gesture is made by Catholics at two points in the Mass: during the introductory greeting of the service and at the final blessing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Sign of the Cross |
| Religion | Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican (Episcopal), Eastern Orthodox |
| Ritual | Making a small cross on the forehead with holy water |
| Purpose | Remembering Christ's passion, profession of faith in the Holy Trinity, reminder of baptism |
| When | Entering a church, receiving communion, during prayers and ceremonies |
| Who | Laypeople, priests |
| Blessing by | Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit |
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What You'll Learn
The Sign of the Cross
The direction of the movement varies depending on the denomination of Christianity. The Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Lutherans, and Eastern Catholics move their hands from right to left, while the Western Catholics (the Latin Church) and Western Lutherans move their hands from left to right. The direction of the movement is heavily disputed, with some sources claiming that the right-to-left motion is more ancient, while others argue that the left-to-right motion predates the other.
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Blessings with Holy Water
The act of blessing oneself with holy water is a formal ritual gesture of the Catholic Church. The holy water is blessed by a priest or deacon, who begins with the words: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit". The congregation replies: "Amen".
Holy water is one of the signs that the Church uses to bless the faithful. It reminds the faithful of Christ, who called himself the "living water" and established baptism with water. When blessing the water, the priest may say: "Let this water call to mind our Baptism into Christ, who has redeemed us by his death and resurrection".
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains the importance of water in the life of the Church. Water signifies the Holy Spirit's action in Baptism, as the water of Baptism signifies that our birth into the divine life is given to us in the Holy Spirit.
When Catholics enter a church, they often pause to bless themselves with holy water. They dip their fingers in a bowl of water and make the sign of the cross over their body. This act is a reminder of their Baptism and a profession of faith in the Holy Trinity.
In addition to blessing holy water, the Church also performs exorcisms for salt and water. The exorcised salt is added to the holy water. This ritual is meant to drive away evil spirits and dispel sickness, purifying the homes and buildings of the faithful.
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Blessings for People
In the Catholic Church, blessings for people are an important ritual. The act of blessing oneself with holy water and making the Sign of the Cross is a common practice for Catholics when entering a church. This ritual symbolises the Holy Spirit's action in Baptism and serves as a reminder of Christ's passion and their faith in the Holy Trinity.
Blessings are also given to individuals in various circumstances, such as before Mass, for the sick, women before and after childbirth, infants, children, and adults. These blessings are performed by a qualified minister, invoking divine favour and sanctification. Additionally, blessings are extended to houses, schools, and even inanimate objects like ships, bridges, and emergency vehicles.
The Sign of the Cross is made during specific moments in the Mass, such as during the introductory greeting and the final blessing. Catholics also make this sign during Holy Communion and when receiving blessings with holy water. The sign is made "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," marking one as a Christian.
Blessings are not limited to rituals but are also seen as a way of life for Catholics. They are encouraged to bless those who persecute them and to pray for those who mistreat them, as instructed by Jesus and echoed by St. Paul and St. Peter. This idea is further emphasised in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, stating that "every baptised person is called to be a 'blessing' and to bless."
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Blessings for Inanimate Objects
The act of blessing oneself in Catholicism is called the "Sign of the Cross", which is made "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit". It is a formal ritual gesture of the church, marking one as a Christian.
Catholics bless inanimate objects for several reasons. Objects that are either symbols of sacraments or used to confer sacraments are often blessed. For example, wedding rings are blessed, as are objects like chalices, rosaries, and scapulars. These blessings are meant to set these objects apart as sacred, to be used only for sacred purposes.
Other objects that may be blessed include tools or objects that provide an opportunity to give thanks and recognize the joy and responsibility of human labor, recreation, and devotion. A vehicle, for instance, can be blessed as it makes it possible to come together for social contact.
> Almighty and ever-living God, you made us stewards over the created world, so that in all things we might honor the demands of charity. Graciously hear our prayers, that your blessing may come upon all those who use these objects for their needs. Let them always see you as the good surpassing every good and love their neighbor with upright hearts. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
> Lord God, from the abundance of your mercy enrich your servants and safeguard them. Strengthened by your blessing, may they always be thankful to you and bless you with unending joy. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
> Lord, let the effect of your blessing remain with your faithful people to give them new life and strength of spirit, so that the power of your love will enable them to accomplish what is right and good. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
> Lord, may the blessing they long for be the strength of your faithful people, so that they will never be in conflict with your will.
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The Direction of the Sign of the Cross
Roman Catholics
Roman Catholics make the sign of the cross by moving their right hand from their forehead to their chest, then from their left shoulder to their right shoulder. This is the typical Western way of making the sign of the cross, dating back to the 12th century.
Eastern Christians
Eastern Christians, including Eastern Orthodox Christians, typically make the sign of the cross in the opposite direction, from right to left. This is also the direction in which Roman Catholics make the small sign of the cross with their thumb.
Other Denominations
The sign of the cross is also used in other denominations of Christianity, including Lutheranism, Anglicanism, Methodism, and Pentecostalism. However, it is unclear which direction followers of these denominations move their hands when making the sign of the cross.
Symbolism
Additionally, some believe that the act of blessing oneself with holy water when entering a Catholic church serves as a reminder of their baptism.
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Frequently asked questions
The sign of the cross is a formal ritual gesture of the Catholic Church where one makes a cross on their body or on objects.
The sign of the cross is made by touching the forehead, heart, and both shoulders. The right hand's thumb, index, and middle fingertips are held together, with the index and pinky fingers tucked into the palm.
Catholics make the sign of the cross at various times, including when entering a church, before and after meals, and to begin and end prayers and ceremonies.
The sign of the cross is a reminder of one's baptism and an opportunity to leave behind the secular and enter the sacred. It also reminds Christians of their belief in the Holy Trinity.
The use of the sign of the cross has been documented in early Christianity. Tertullian, an Ante-Nicene Church Father, wrote about the practice in AD 204, stating that Christians would make the sign of the cross on their foreheads "in all our actions".
