Correct way of doing the sign of the cross

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hamburglar

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I have been a Roman Catholic all my life, and have never really thought about the proper way of doing the sign of the cross. What is the proper position for your fingers/hand? And does it go left shoulder to right shoulder or right shoulder to left shoulder?
 
I’m no expert - but I think it is first two fingers, doing forehead-chest-left shoulder-right shoulder.

Please correct me if I’m wrong. 🙂
 
There are many cultural differences. In the latin rite you go head, chest, left shoulder, right. In the eastern rites and orthodoxy, reverse the shoulder order.

Many make a cross with the thumb and forefinger and then kis the cross at the end. Some use all four fingers.

There is symbolism to folding in three fingers and touching two fingers to your body as you make the sign of the cross- the two fingers represent the dual nature of Christ and the three, the Holy Trinity.

Whatever is done, it should be done with reverence.:signofcross:
 
Shortly after my confirmation in 2005, a nun showed me a “new way” of doing the Sign of the Cross. Instead of saying “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”, she had us say “In the name of the parent, the child, and the sacred essence.” Believe it or not, she is responsible for training catechists in the archdiocese. This was when I really started to learn about the craziness the heresy of Modernism causes.
 
I have heard two different ways of placing the fingers.

The first way is your pinky and ring finger are close the palm of your hand with the thumb touching these two fingers. Then the index finger and middle finger are extended up with the middle finger slightly bent.

The other way is to have the pinky and ring fingers are held to the palm, and the index finger, middle finger, and thumb are touch together to do the actual sign of the cross.
 
OR you can just use an open hand and be equally doing it correctly 🙂
 
The correct way…is just to do it and make it a regular part of your waking.

And to teach it to your children.
 
i found a way when i was younger to remember that it’s the left shoulder first. this doesn’t work for lefties. but i remembered i’m making the sign of the cross so i always cross over first.
 
I do not believe there is any “correct” way to do it. The many thousands of personal variations all lead to the same peaceful place. If you cannot move your hands doing it mentally also works.
 
Jenny15 said:
Just know, I might sound stupid with some of the things I say, but realize that I’m still somewhat new in coming back to my faith. Let me know if I do, so I can learn.
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What a great outlook. 👍

Welcome Home! :clapping:

God Bless You on your Journey.
 
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