Sign of the cross

The Sign of the Cross is a ritual performed mainly within Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, as well as Eastern-Rite Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Lutheranism. For the members of the Faith, it symbolizes by manifestly marking directly on one's own body or in the air, the four points of the Cross on Calvary. It also represents loving God with all one's heart, soul, mind and strength. There are two particular arrangements one is most likely to observe. One is followed by many of the Eastern Churches, the other by the Western (Latin) Rite of Roman Catholicism and the Oriental Orthodox.

Use of the sign

There are certain times when a member of the Faith will make the Sign. Throughout every liturgical action, such as the Mass, there are moments where the Sign is called for. There are many more in the traditional Mass of the Latin Rite than there are in the Novus Ordo Missae. In Eastern Orthodox prayers, the sign of the cross is usually made whenever all three persons of the Trinity are addressed, or alluded to. If one prays the Breviary, one will make the Sign at various times. Before commencing any prayer, in fact, the Sign is typically made. Upon entering a church, and the sanctuary within the church, one will make the Sign partly as an outward sign of reverence and veneration. Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics will make the Sign as one way of venerating an icon; similarly, Western Catholics will venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary. Priests have many more specific occasions upon which to make the Sign. Many members of the Faith will make the Sign in a way that may seem idiomatic to some: for example, if a member is exposed to blasphemy, he or she may make the Sign, partly to suggest subtly and politely to the speaker that an offense has been committed. Some members of the Faith will use the Sign in what almost appears to be a wish for luck; it may be that, or a part of an unsaid prayer for God's blessing, as when starting a travel, a sport competition or a bullfight. The Catholic Church considers the Sign a sacramental. Members may also make the Sign when passing a Catholic church.

Related Topics:
Mass - Novus Ordo Missae - Breviary - Veneration - Icon - Blessed Virgin Mary - Priests - Wish for luck - Bullfight - A sacramental

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The Sign of the Cross is made in other ways as well: it can be made in the air to bless objects, and it may trace a very small trajectory, such as on the forehead. For a member of the Faith, perhaps the essential element of the Sign is that it physically indicates the direct relevance of the Cross, of the Sacrifice of Jesus, to one's person or surroundings. It is an engagement of the body that affirms what the faithful professes. It is also a sign to others of what one professes.

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Bishops, including the pope (who is the Bishop of Rome) make the Sign of the Cross with their right hand three times when they are blessing the public, such as at the end of the Mass. It is made once at the Name of the Father, a second time at naming the Son and one last time at the naming of the Holy Spirit. Other clerics, however, are restricted to making the Sign of the Cross only once.

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In the folklore of some parts of Europe, one would salute with the sign a werewolf to turn him human.

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