Sign of the Cross

[Evelyn_s_Dad]

My wife and I were wondering what the church’s teaching is regarding the significance of making the sign of the cross before and after private prayer. Thanks

 

[Jim_Blackburn]

Jesus told the Apostles, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

The *Catechism of the Catholic Church * (CCC) tells us that when Catholics are baptized “the sign of the cross, on the threshold of the celebration, marks with the imprint of Christ the one who is going to belong to him and signifies the grace of the redemption Christ won for us by his cross.” (CCC 1235)

Thereafter, each time we make the sign of the cross it strengthens us as we remember that we belong to Christ. “The Christian begins his day, his prayers, and his activities with the Sign of the Cross: “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” The baptized person dedicates the day to the glory of God and calls on the Savior’s grace which lets him act in the Spirit as a child of the Father. The sign of the cross strengthens us in temptations and difficulties.” (CCC 2157)

For more information see the book The Sign of the Cross by Bert Ghezzi: shop.catholic.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/p-B0509.html?L+scstore+zpry2824ff720872+1123520719