Must the faithful make the sign of the Cross when the priest processes down the aisle at the beginning of Mass?

[RosslynV]

Noticed many parishioners today at Mass making the sign of the Cross when the priest passed their pew at the beginning of Mass. Is this required? Is it to show respect for the Cross of Jesus as it passes by? thanks for answer in advance.

 

[MichaelHowling]

No, it is not required…and I don’t really see it done for a priest… I will see it done when a bishop processes down and blesses the crowed as he goes by.

In either case, it would certainly be ok to do so. The priest is acting in the person of Christ and a healthy sign of faith that helps the move the heart and mind and soul of the faithful to enter more deeply into the mystery of the mass (like making the sign of the cross) is wonderful.

 

[JerryZ]

Noticed many parishioners today at Mass making the sign of the Cross when the priest passed their pew at the beginning of Mass. Is this required? Is it to show respect for the Cross of Jesus as it passes by? thanks for answer in advance.

The sign of the cross is not done for the priest and neither for the Bishop, but for the cross that is passing in front of us.

In many countries the faithfull will make the sign of the cross every time they pass in front of a church, since we believe that almost always the Precious body is preserved in the Tabernacle.

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[thistle]

Noticed many parishioners today at Mass making the sign of the Cross when the priest passed their pew at the beginning of Mass. Is this required? Is it to show respect for the Cross of Jesus as it passes by? thanks for answer in advance.

It is certainly not required and I have never seen it done.

 

[Digitonomy]

The sign of the cross is not done for the priest and neither for the Bishop, but for the cross that is passing in front of us.

In many countries the faithfull will make the sign of the cross every time they pass in front of a church, since we believe that almost always the Precious body is preserved in the Tabernacle.

The logic doesn’t seem consistent – if the sign of the cross is performed whenever passing a cross, it should not matter whether the Precious Body is reserved.

On the other hand, if it is done only when passing the Eucharist, it doesn’t seem appropriate to do it merely for the processional cross.

 

[babochka]

The logic doesn’t seem consistent – if the sign of the cross is performed whenever passing a cross, it should not matter whether the Precious Body is reserved.

On the other hand, if it is done only when passing the Eucharist, it doesn’t seem appropriate to do it merely for the processional cross.

It doesn’t need to be logically consistent. The sign of the cross is a pious act and a prayer and is therefore appropriate (but not required) whenever a person feels moved to piety and prayer.

 

[CarolNoel]

I turn and wait for the cross and priest to go by. Make the sign of the cross out of respect for the cross.

After all, when we go to a wedding don’t we all turn and watch the bride come down the aisle!

 

[Seatuck]

There are many ,many reasons why Catholics make the sign of the cross or other gestures. We are a physical and ritualistic people.

Maybe these will help:

catholicexchange.com/21-things-cross
and
adoremus.org/0210HHHitchcock.html

It is part of our practice to bow at the procession or make the sign of the cross. The actions vary with custom of a particular place I would think.