Is a left handed cross okey sometimes?

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Curtis23

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I have seen in earlier threads that we should make the sign of the cross with our right hand unless we are physically unable to do so. My question involves holding a small child.

My wife and I have three young children and someone often needs “picked up” during mass and, being right handed, we often find ourselves with a child in our right arm and hand when the sign of the cross is being made. My wife and I want to know if we should then simply use our left hand, not make the sign of the cross, wave our right hand in the general direction that it should go to, or anything else that would be sufficient. We try to make certain they are being held in our left arm, but that’s not always possible as someone may be napping or will scream if moved. We are both physically able to make the sign of the cross with our right hands when they are free, it’s just a matter of our right hand being, literally and figuratively, full. Any guidance would be welcome.
 
Hi,

I don’t think it’s a good precedent to have people using either hand. Best to stick with the tradition of using the right hand. If your right hand is not free, just say the words without the physical jesture. Holding your child becomes the jesture.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.
 
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