Heart or Belly button?

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LaSalle

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I’ve always made the sign of the cross on my forehead, heart, left shoulder, right shoulder. But in recent years, I’ve noticed that some do the second part on the stomach. They claim that it’s more a cross if it’s on the stomach.

Maybe so, but what is the actual way to do the sign? I don’t like innovative ideas that stem from superstition or ignorance.

I’ve been looking around for any documents but I can’t find any. I would really appreciate if anyone has any links to some documents on proper practices. (No, didn’t see it in the GIRM)
 
LaSalle said:
I’ve always made the sign of the cross on my forehead, heart, left shoulder, right shoulder. But in recent years, I’ve noticed that some do the second part on the stomach. They claim that it’s more a cross if it’s on the stomach.

Maybe so, but what is the actual way to do the sign? I don’t like innovative ideas that stem from superstition or ignorance.

I’ve been looking around for any documents but I can’t find any. I would really appreciate if anyone has any links to some documents on proper practices. (No, didn’t see it in the GIRM)
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OK, never mind. I found it in the Encyclopedia catholic.com/encyclopedia/sign-of-the-cross
 
Wow! Thanks for posting that encyclopedia article about the history and practice of the Sign of the Cross. It seems to favor touching the heart (or breast, as the article says), but I suppose there is nothing wrong with making the downward movement deeper towards the belly.
 
I help run Religious Ed classes for children. One of our classrooms has a mirror hanging on the wall (child’s height) with the numbers 1-4 on it for learning how to do (pray) the Sign of the Cross. So I guess it depends where the number 2 appears on you.
 
You will find various customs …I have not find particular instructions in terms of liturgy where that version is not permitted )all I found in the GIRM when I looked is that the sign of the cross is made (not how)- (and of course liturgies can vary - such as the Eastern form is different than the western).

Monastic customs as I recall can be the larger form you mention.
 
You will find various customs …I have not find particular instructions in terms of liturgy where that version is not permitted )all I found in the GIRM when I looked is that the sign of the cross is made (not how)- (and of course liturgies can vary - such as the Eastern form is different than the western).

Monastic customs as I recall can be the larger form you mention.
 
I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure you can do it anyway you feel comfortable doing it. As long as you say/think the correct words. 🙂
 
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