What is the Sign of the Cross?
The Origin of the Sign of the Cross
The Sign of the Cross has ancient roots, dating back to the early centuries of Christianity. While the practice as we know it today has developed over time, its origins lie in the early Christian understanding of the Cross as a central symbol of faith.
In the early Church, Christians would trace a small cross on their foreheads as a sign of their belonging to Christ. This practice was rooted in the words of Christ Himself, who called His followers to take up their crosses daily (Luke 9:23). The Cross, once a symbol of death and shame, became for Christians the symbol of Christ's victory over sin and death through His Crucifixion and Resurrection.
The Sign of the Cross has ancient roots, dating back to the early centuries of Christianity. While the practice as we know it today has developed over time, its origins lie in the early Christian understanding of the Cross as a central symbol of faith.
In the early Church, Christians would trace a small cross on their foreheads as a sign of their belonging to Christ. This practice was rooted in the words of Christ Himself, who called His followers to take up their crosses daily (Luke 9:23). The Cross, once a symbol of death and shame, became for Christians the symbol of Christ's victory over sin and death through His Crucifixion and Resurrection.
Resources for the Sign of the Cross
5 Things You Should Know About the Sign of the Cross
1. The Sign of the Cross is a sacramental.
2. The Sign of the Cross should be made intentionally, never casually.
3. The Sign of the Cross is rooted in ancient tradition.
4. The Sign of the Cross is a blessing.
5. The Sign of the Cross is a weapon against the devil.
(Source: Good Catholic)
1. The Sign of the Cross is a sacramental.
2. The Sign of the Cross should be made intentionally, never casually.
3. The Sign of the Cross is rooted in ancient tradition.
4. The Sign of the Cross is a blessing.
5. The Sign of the Cross is a weapon against the devil.
(Source: Good Catholic)
The Meaning of the Sign of the Cross
The Sign of the Cross is a profound expression of faith that encapsulates key aspects of Catholic belief. Each movement of the hand, each word, carries deep spiritual meaning:
The Sign of the Cross is a profound expression of faith that encapsulates key aspects of Catholic belief. Each movement of the hand, each word, carries deep spiritual meaning:
- Invocation of the Holy Trinity
- Remembering Christ's Passion
- A Prayer of Protection
- Mark of Belonging
- A Reminder of Baptism:
Three Things to Know about the Sign of the Cross
1. God is Trinity
2. Your Worth
3. You're here for a Reason
(Source: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Altaration)
1. God is Trinity
2. Your Worth
3. You're here for a Reason
(Source: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Altaration)
Join the Sign of the Cross Soldiers!
"Soldiers are brave, courageous, tested, tough, eager to serve, and loyal to a code..."
Are you ready to join our army of Sign of the Cross Soldiers?!
If so, learn more about our Catholic saints who were soldiers and/or started armies for the Faith:
- 6 Saints who were Soldiers (epicPew)
- Militia of the Immaculata (Militia of the Immaculata USA)
- Warrior Saints Through the Ages (Histicle)
What to do?
Make the sign of the cross everywhere you go, before everything you do and encourage family and friends to do the same.
Send an email to CWP HERE >> with your address and get your own "Sign of the Cross Soldiers" T-shirt!...And join our Sign of the Cross Soldiers army!
Sign of the Cross Soldiers Mission
To ignite reverence and curiosity for the faith by serving as witnesses through the action of signing the cross everywhere Catholics go and before everything they do!