Sign of the Cross at Justice Ginsburg's casket this morning

[felsguy]

Watching the ceremonies for the late Justice Ginsburg at the US Capitol on TV this morning, I was struck by the number of people who made the Sign of the Cross as they filed by her casket. I wasn’t counting but it seemed to be considerably more than the estimated 20-25% of Catholics in the US population. Is it likely/possible that there is a disproportionate number of Catholics at the federal scene?

Also there were a lot of others who made all sorts of hand gestures touching their shoulders and chests, definitely not the Sign of the Cross, not even haphazardly. I got to wondering if when waiting in line these folks observed so many making the Sign of the Cross and, while not knowing what it was, figured it was some sort of a sign of respect that was appropriate and so tried to mimic it.

Any thoughts?

 

[Tis_Bearself]

There are a good many Catholics in Washington DC. In general, there are a lot of Catholics in large US cities, and fewer when you get out into the rural area.

Anglicans and Episcopalians may also make the sign of the cross. Orthodox make it also, but differently.

Some other religions, including non-Christian religions, have their own hand gestures. Jewish people may strike their breast.

Other people who are not religious but just want to show respect may do something like put their hand over their heart, or cross their arms.

It’s also possible that some people were just swatting a bug or something.

 

[felsguy]

At the gravesite after the funeral Mass several years ago, the priest accidentally hit the casket with the aspergillum (“holy water sprinkler”) while blessing it. It was his custom to have family and friends also sprinkle the casket with the aspergillum at the end of the service as they were leaving. Following what they saw, just about every person that day rapped the casket with it as they walked by.

 

[Katie777]

She was pro abortion so Mary and Jesus have mercy on her soul