Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 12/11/2004

Question
Hello. I am interested in Catholicism and I was wondering how the sign of the Cross is made. If you could please let me know that would be great. Thank you!

Answer
                       Peace

Dear Jennifer
  Praise God for your interest in Catholicism, may it be source of many graces that you closer to Him daily.
   Now for the answer(s) to your question.

The Sign of the Cross is made thus: First choose your style:


Option A. Hold your index finger and middle finger of your right hand together to signify the two natures of Christ, and tuck your thumb slightly towards the palm of your hand. This is the most typical Western Catholic practice.
 
Option B. Hold your thumb and index finger of your right hand together to signify the two natures of Christ
 
Option C. Hold your thumb, index finger, middle finger of your right hand together (signifying the Trinity) while tucking the ring finger and pinky finger (signifying the two natures of Christ) toward your palm. This is the typically Eastern Catholic practice.
 
Option D: Hold your right hand open with all 5 fingers -- representing the 5 Wounds of Christ -- together and very slightly curved, and thumb slightly tucked into palm

Then:


touch the forehead as you say (or pray mentally) "In nomine Patris" ("In the name of the Father")
 
touch the breastbone or top of the belly as you say "et Filii" ("and of the Son")
 
touch the left shoulder, then right shoulder, as you say "et Spiritus Sancti" ("and of the Holy Ghost"). Note that some people end the Sign by crossing the thumb over the index finger to make a cross, and then kissing the thumb as a way of "kissing the Cross" thus declaring one's union with Christ.


Also Note that Eastern Catholics (and Orthodox) go from right shoulder to left and end sometimes by touching their right side, above the hip, to symbolize Christ's being pierced by the sword.

In close I like to share a quote about the cross from one my favorite writers:

"Let us not then be ashamed to confess the Crucified. Be the Cross our seal made with boldness by our fingers on our brow and in everything; over the bread we eat, and the cups we drink; in our comings in, and goings out; before our sleep, when we lie down and when we awake; when we are in the way and when we are still. Great is that preservative; it is without price, for the poor's sake; without toil, for the sick, since also its grace is from God. It is the Sign of the faithful, and the dread of evils; for He has triumphed over them in it, having made a shew of them openly; for when they see the Cross, they are reminded of the Crucified; they are afraid of Him, Who hath bruised the heads of the dragon. Despise not the Seal, because of the freeness of the Gift; but for this rather honor thy Benefactor."
-- St. Cyril of Jerusalem, A.D. 315 - 386

       May u ever be Blessed
     your servant but His first
     george/rav Jerome72