sign of the cross

[mark_a]

While waiting for communion yesterday, I noticed one man did right to left instead of left to right during the sign of the cross. It absolutely couldn’t be a mistake because he never misses Mass and is in the choir.

And one lady did the first three “touches” in the ordinary way, but touched the middle of her chest twice on the last move.

Can someone shed some light?

Just curious.

 

[ak29]

From what I understand right to left is the Eastern way of doing the sign of the Cross.

While left to right is the Western Way.

I dont know about your other question.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[CatholicCid]

mark a:

While waiting for communion yesterday, I noticed one man did right to left instead of left to right during the sign of the cross. It absolutely couldn’t be a mistake because he never misses Mass and is in the choir.

And one lady did the first three “touches” in the ordinary way, but touched the middle of her chest twice on the last move.

Can someone shed some light?

Just curious.

Possibly, she touched the chest to go to her heart? I’ve heard some people say that before

 

[puzzleannie]

this person was probably raised in an Eastern Rite where this is the preferred method. different countries, different customs. Hispanics make the sign of the cross with the thumb and forefinger and kiss it, so people are often quick to criticize them for “kissing the thumb”.

I make a triple sign of the cross during Benediction, because where I come from the only parishes that still had Benediction and Adoration were Eastern Rite, where that is the practice.