Sign of the cross

[Andinell]

When we make the sign of the cross, is there a way the hand is supposed to be held?

 

[verdigirl]

The tradition seems to be to cross the thumb of the right hand over the pointer finger and then cross yourself that way.

I’m not exactly sure where I read that, but it seems to have come from a catechism.

 

[martinporres]

I’ve seen verdigirl’s reported method. Another is combining the three fingers (thumb, index, middle) into a point representing the Trinity. Yet another I’ve read about is simply using the index and middle together, representing Christ’s two natures (divine and human). I tend to use this one most, I think.

In the end I think this comes down to personal preference, the most important thing being that it does not become a routine gesture and that it acts as an outward symbol of belonging to Christ.

In Him,
mp

 

[japhy]

When we make the sign of the cross, is there a way the hand is supposed to be held?

I used to just make the sign of the cross without paying attention to my hand at all. Now, I bring my thumb, index, and middle fingers together, while curling my ring and pinky fingers into my palm; these denote the Triune nature of God and the dual natures of Jesus Christ.

 

[Michael_Welter]

I used to just make the sign of the cross without paying attention to my hand at all. Now, I bring my thumb, index, and middle fingers together, while curling my ring and pinky fingers into my palm; these denote the Triune nature of God and the dual natures of Jesus Christ.

I like that. I’ve never paid much attention to the position of my fingers, but I may now.

 

[love4mary]

Crossing the thumb over the pointing finger makes a small cross, I have seen many from Mexico in my parish do it this way.

 

[John_Lilburne]

The 1984 liturgical book Caeremoniale Episcoporum (Ceremonial of Bishops) quotes the 1962 edition of the Roman Missal’s description of the Sign of the Cross:
“When making the sign of the cross, he holds the palm of the right hand turned toward himself, with all the fingers joined and held straight, and makes the sign of the cross by moving this hand from head to chest and from left shoulder to right.” This is from the 1962 Missale Romanum, Ritus servandus in celebratione Missae, III, 5.

The Ceremonial of Bishops adds in n. 108: “he places his left hand on his breast, unless he is holding something.”

During Mass there is a requirement to make a bow of the head. This is following the 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), n. 275:
“a. A bow of the head is made when the three Divine Persons are named together and at the names of Jesus, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of the Saint in whose honor Mass is being celebrated.”
My understanding is that this should be done by everyone, not just the person who says the names.

References:
Ceremonial of Bishops, Liturgical Press, 1989, ISBN 0-8146-1818-9, page 108.
Caeremoniale Episcoporum, Liberia Editrice Vaticana, 1995, ISBN 88-209-4217-8, page 36.
2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) approved for the USA, which can be accessed from romanrite.com/girm.html .

 

[musicgal4jesus]

I used to just make the sign of the cross without paying attention to my hand at all. Now, I bring my thumb, index, and middle fingers together, while curling my ring and pinky fingers into my palm; these denote the Triune nature of God and the dual natures of Jesus Christ.

That’s how I’ve done it for a while.

 

[Michael_Welter]

This brings up another question. I see some people kiss their thumb after making the sign of the cross. What’s that all about?

 

[japhy]

This brings up another question. I see some people kiss their thumb after making the sign of the cross. What’s that all about?

They’re making a tiny cross with their thumb over their index finger (index finger behind, thumb above) and then kissing that cross, as a sign of veneration.

 

[Michael_Welter]

They’re making a tiny cross with their thumb over their index finger (index finger behind, thumb above) and then kissing that cross, as a sign of veneration.

Ahh, that makes sense. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[otjm]

When we make the sign of the cross, is there a way the hand is supposed to be held?

It is preferable that it be attached to the wrist, on the end of the forearm opposite the elbow…
There are numerous ways to make the sign of the cross, and they are all valid.

 

[Andinell]

It is preferable that it be attached to the wrist, on the end of the forearm opposite the elbow…
There are numerous ways to make the sign of the cross, and they are all valid.

Sounds like something i would say.