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The Sign of the Cross is a very old Catholic Symbol. Early Christians made tiny Signs of the Cross on their foreheads with their thumbs. They also formed the cross by crossing the thumb with the first finger (index finger.) This was their secret symbol to tell each other they were Christian. Soon after the tiny cross was made not only on the forehead but the lips and heart, too, just like in church before the Gospel is read.

A few early Christians soon became thousands. When there were only a few people, the priest or bishop would bless each one individually. But soon there were lots and lots of Christians, so he would not be able to do this. They started making a larger sign of the cross in the air to bless everyone a the same time. If you watch in church, you will see your priest do this. Everyone in the pews will make a large sign of the cross on themselves as the priest does this. Most of us do this by stretching out our first two fingers and thumb on our right hand, then we touch our forehead, then our chest, and from left shoulder to right shoulder. This is the way people have been making the “secret” symbol since the fourth century. Some people will put their left hand on the right side of their chest as they do this. Others will kiss their thumb before or after making it.

But did you know there are other ways to make the Sign of the Cross? Also in the fourth century some formed their fingers into the letters I C X C, which was Greek for “Jesus Christ.” Want to try it? Using your right hand, make a loose fist. Stretch out your finger closest to your thumb. This is the “I”. Put your thumb between the middle fingers so that it sticks up a little above the finger, and let the other fingers come out from your palm a little. The Middle finger becomes the first “C”, the thumb and ring finger (next to the pinkie finger) become the “X”, and the pinky finger is the second “C”. Can you see it? When your hand is formed, you can make the Sign of the Cross just like you usually do. Some Eastern rite churches still make the Sign with their fingers in this position.

Another easier way to make the Sign is to bring together the thumb, index, and middle finger. Now place your ring finger and pinky finger on the palm of your hand. You are ready to make the Sign of the Cross. Putting the first three fingers together symbolizes the Holy Trinity, and folding the other two fingers is a symbol of the 2 natures of Christ – God and man. This is the way some Byzantine Catholics like to make the Sign of the Cross.

Are you ready to try another way? Still using your right hand, touch your thumb to your pinky finger and stretch out the rest of your fingers, keeping them together. That’s it! You can make the Sign of the Cross. This is also a symbol of the Blessed Trinity (three fingers up) and the natures of Christ (two folded). Some Greek Orthodox Catholics prefer this way.

Have you noticed that we always make the Sign of the Cross with our right hand? This may be because of the biblical references to the good people being on the right hand of God.

During Mass the priest makes the Sign of the Cross 33 times, in honor of our Lord’s 33 years of life. The priest uses the sign of the cross whenever he blesses a person or a thing, like a rosary. Priests make the Sign of Cross A LOT! Watch him next time you are at Mass.

So when can you pray the Sign of the Cross? Anytime you want! You can pray it before dinner, after dinner, when you wake up, before you go to sleep, when you’re scared, when you’re happy, ANYTIME! It is a chief sacramental, so we should pray it often, especially with holy water, just like we do when we enter church. Have you made the Sign of the Cross today?