How to Make a Sign of the Cross with a Hand

Making the sign of the cross is a vital part of the Mass protocol.

The sign of the cross has been in use since the earliest days of Christianity as its own form of prayer. Both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches use it today. It began as a symbol for the crucifixion of Christ, but came also to symbolize the Trinity of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Western, or Roman Catholic, method of making the sign of the cross is slightly different from the Eastern, or Orthodox, method. It typically occurs at the mention of the Trinity within both faiths. The sign of the cross is also performed along with a short bow before entering a pew (genuflect) and after receiving the host during Communion.

Instructions

1. Hold the left hand outward at just above waist height. Join the index and middle fingers to the thumb of the right hand.

2. Touch the right hand, fingers joined, to the forehead. This is usually done when the priest says "In the name of the Father (or Patris)..."

3. Move the right hand down with the fingers in the same position and touch them to the middle of the body between the bottom of the ribs. This coincides with the priest saying the words "...and of the Son (or Filii)..."

4. Touch the left shoulder with the joined fingers of the right hand, coinciding with the priest saying "...and of the Holy (or Spiritus)..."

5. Move the right hand to touch the right shoulder while the priest says "...Spirit (or Sancti)."

6. Place the hands together in front of the body as in prayer. This motion accompanies the saying of the word "amen" by the congregation.

Tips & Warnings

• The Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church follows the same procedure but in reverse, touching the right shoulder first, then the left.

• According to the Roman Catholic Church, the touching of the left shoulder to the right symbolizes the movement from misery to glory, as Christ sits on the right hand of God.

References

• America Magazine: The Sign of the Cross
• Catholic Education Resource Center: The Sign of the Cross
• Eternal Word Television Network: Latin Prayers