360. The creed of the Sign of the Cross

YOUCAT Catechism + Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 360

Ave Maria series

What is the meaning of the Sign of the Cross?

Through the Sign of the Cross we place ourselves under the protection of the Triune God.  [2157. 2166]

“In this Sign you shall conquer” by assistants of Raphael….. 360

Constantine the Great  (c. February 27, 272 – May 22, 337), was Roman Emperor from 306 to 337. Well known for being the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, Constantine reversed the persecutions of his predecessor, Diocletian, and issued the Edict of Milan in 313, which proclaimed religious liberty throughout the empire.

At the beginning of the day, at the beginning of a prayer, but also at the beginning of important undertakings, a Christian makes the Sign of the Cross over himself and thus starts his business “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.  We are surrounded on all sides by the Triune God; calling upon him by name sanctifies the things we set out to do; it obtains blessings for us and strengthens us in difficulties and temptations.

“Let us not be ashamed to profess the Crucified One; let us confidently seal our forehead with our fingers, let us make the Sign of the Cross on everything, on the bread we eat and over the cup we drink.  Let us make this sign as we come and go, before sleeping, when we lie down and when we arise, while traveling and while resting.”  St. Cyril of Jerusalem (ca. 313-386/387)

The Sign of the Cross is a core Christian statement of belief in the Holy Trinity.  Like the Apostles Creed and the longer Nicene Creed, It affirms our faith “In the Name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.”  The Sign of the Cross should be done slowly, reverently, and accompanied with meaningful thought. 

[2157. 2166]

THE CHRISTIAN NAME

2157 The Christian begins his day, his prayers, and his activities with the Sign of the Cross: "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." The baptized person dedicates the day to the glory of God and calls on the Savior's grace which lets him act in the Spirit as a child of the Father. The sign of the cross strengthens us in temptations and difficulties. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

IN BRIEF

2166 The Christian begins his prayers and activities with the Sign of the Cross: "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." –CCC

People  Emperor  Constantine The Great_conversion