Sign Of The Cross

"Make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
-Matthew 28:19

Simple Gesture
Profound Meaning

Just as customary with all Catholic Prayers, the Rosary begins and ends with the Sign of the Cross. It is a Catholic custom to begin and end prayers with the Sign of the Cross. To express faith in the Blessed Trinity and in the Redemption is why Catholics start their prayers with the Sign of the Cross.

This practice dates back to the early Christians who would make this sign to show they were Christians. It developed throughout the centuries and there are many proofs that the early Church Fathers taught and encouraged this practice.

The Blessed Trinity - There is only one God, but in God there are three Divine Persons. This Triune God is called the Blessed Trinity. The three persons are...

• God the Father - the Creator
• God the Son - the Redeemer, Jesus Christ
• And God the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost - the Sanctifier

They are one and the same God in three Divine Persons. They are distinct yet completely equal. Jesus Himself revealed this truth in the Holy Gospels.

The Redemption - The Redemption, in a nutshell, refers to Jesus' death on the cross which was the perfect sacrifice to God the Father that made humankind heirs of heaven. The Redemption satisfied for all sin. Learn more...

There is a physical action of the body made while the words are pronounced that symbolizes belief in the Blessed Trinity and the Redemption.

When you say "In the name," in the singular you are stating that there is only one God. When saying, "of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," you are proclaiming that there are three Persons in God.

You will have made the outline of the cross on your upper body. This physical motion of the Sign of the Cross serves as a reminder that Jesus died on the cross to redeem humankind and you personally.

To make the sign of the cross make this movement...

1. With your right hand touch your three fingers held close to one another (symbolizing the three Divine Persons) to your forehead, while saying the words, "In the name of the Father,"

2. Next move your three fingers to the center of your chest near the breast bone saying, "and of the Son,"

3. Then reach your three fingers across your chest to your left shoulder, say the words, "and of the Holy,"

4. Move back across your chest then touch your same right hand to your right shoulder while saying, "Spirit."

5. Fold your hands together in prayer as you say, "Amen."

She did this as a reminder that the Sign of the Cross is a profession of faith in the Blessed Trinity and should be done with care and reverence.

Resist the temptation to make the Sign of the Cross hastily. Do it reverently and think of the how Jesus died for your sins and how you too will join Him one day in heaven.

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Catholic Mysteries Of The Rosary

Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
The Joyful Mysteries are taken mostly from St. Luke's Gospel in the New Testament. They involve the joyful events of Jesus' childhood. The most joyful event in all of human history is the Incarnation or when God became man and dwelt among us read more...

Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary
What a gift the the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary are. Meditating on these Mysteries of Light bring even deeper understanding of the public life of Jesus. They fill in the blanks between Jesus' childhood and His suffering and death on the cross. Therefore read more...

Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary remind you of how much Jesus loves you. He suffered and died for you. "Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends." -John 15:13. You are loved by Jesus read more...

Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary
The Glorious Mysteries are the crown of Jesus' triumphs. How exhilarating to know that Jesus is God and that He rose from the dead, making you an heir to Heaven. Reminding yourself of these glorious events as you pray the Rosary prayer will keep your faith alive and strong read more...