Sign of the Cross

[rosebudsal]

This is how I was taught. I grew up within American parishes but I was raised in a Spanish Catholic tradition (Puerto Rican).

That’s exactly how I learned it growing up as did all the Anglo kids growing up with our Spanish Catholic traditions. I can tell who grew up in New Mexico just by the way they make the Sign of the Cross and those who aren’t from here, because they don’t usually kiss their thumb at the end.

 

[Deconi]

OP asked-

Maybe I’m wrong for thinking this, but I want the Sign Of The Cross to remain uniquely Catholic. It is my hope other Christians do NOT adopt one of the defintivie signs of our Faith.

NONE of what we do belongs to ‘us’ but simply signifies who we are and what we profess; CHRIST is The Promised One, Who will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Just as wearing a cross or rosary was once ‘misunderstood’ to be too Catholic, more and more Christians, who have come to understand their significance, are now wearing them, ‘out loud’ as it were, albeit, some do not still fully comprehend them. Of course, one has to be Catholic to grasp that comprehension.

In time, it is our hope that ALL Christians will do EVERYTHING we (Catholics) do, for that is what Our Founder left us and intended.

 

[wmscott]

The things I see the sign of the cross as, is that it is an outward sign of my Christianity, an affirmation of the Holy Trinity, and a salute to Christ himself for his sacrifice. I feel no shame and welcome the stares of those who now know that I am a Catholic Christian. It is their issue if they feel uncomfortable. This is just my opinion.

 

[wisdomseeker]

Don’t be too quick to judge at Mass. My family and I don’t make the sign of the cross at Mass because I’m in RCIA and my kids haven’t started RCIC yet and no one has taught us how to do it! I finally looked it up online yesterday to learn how to do it properly.

Yes, i agree with you. catholics please do not judge one another. for we do not know who those people are. they could just be getting into the church or some may are just unware of what they are doing. besides all our discussions in here should not be to condemn or point out anybody s faults or any wrongs. Peace!

 

[JonNC]

OP asked-

Maybe I’m wrong for thinking this, but I want the Sign Of The Cross to remain uniquely Catholic. It is my hope other Christians do NOT adopt one of the defintivie signs of our Faith.

Guy,
I always make the sign of the cross when I receive the Eucharist, for many reasons. One of which is I know that many of my brothers and sisters in Christ from other traditions - Catholics, EO, Anglican, etc. - with whom I cannot (yet) commune, are making the sign of the cross at the exact same moment. For me, it is sort of a prayer for unity. By the sign of the cross, and through my baptism and Christ’s body and blood, I feel connected to all of you. Hope that doesn’t sound strange, or offend anyone.
Jon

 

[peary]

**I rediscovered the beauty ot the Sign of the Cross after my recent visit to my first Byzantine Church. I’ve been praying the Sign of the Cross differently ever since. **

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I have witnessed the Sign of the Cross made this way: three fingers on the forehead, followed in the middle of the lips, then on either side of the lips - left-to-right, then the forehead again, followed down to the heart, then left shoulder followed by right shoulder. I’m not sure what rite uses this, but it’s quite different.