Sign of the Cross
The Sign of the Cross is both a gesture and a prayer, marking the beginning and end of many Catholic prayers and devotions.
How to Make It
Using your right hand:
- Touch your forehead and say:
“In the name of the Father” - Touch your breast (center of your chest) and say:
“and of the Son” - Touch your left shoulder and then your right shoulder, saying:
“and of the Holy Spirit.” - Join your hands (or place them together on your chest) and say:
“Amen.”
What It Means
- It professes your faith in the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- It reminds you of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross.
- It blesses yourself by invoking God’s protection and grace.
In Latin
In nómine Pátris,
et Fílii,
et Spíritus Sáncti.
Amen.
Notes:
- Eastern traditions may touch the right shoulder first.
- Eastern traditions use a special hand posture of three-fingers, which is a symbol I appreciate and often replicate.