Sage-Tips

What does making the sign of the cross mean?

sign of the cross, a gesture of ancient Christian origin by which people bless themselves, others, or objects. The sign of the cross is used throughout Christian liturgies, in moments of need or danger, at the beginning and end of prayer, and on numerous other occasions.

Is it right to make the sign of the cross?

The reader is exactly right, however: Eastern Catholics (and Eastern Orthodox) make the Sign of the Cross by touching their right shoulder first. Many also touch their right shoulder up higher than their left shoulder. Both actions remind us of the two thieves who were crucified alongside Christ.

Why do Catholics believe in purgatory?

The Catholic Church holds that “all who die in God’s grace and friendship but still imperfectly purified” undergo the process of purification which the Church calls purgatory, “so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven”.

Is the sign of the cross only Catholic?

Roman Catholics aren’t the only Christians who make the Sign of the Cross. All Eastern Catholics and Eastern Orthodox do as well, along with many high-church Anglicans and Lutherans (and a smattering of other Mainline Protestants).

Is the sign of the cross Catholic?

Catholicism. The sign of the cross is a prayer, a blessing, and a sacramental. As a sacramental, it prepares an individual to receive grace and disposes one to cooperate with it.

How did the rosary come about?

According to Catholic tradition, the rosary was instituted by the Blessed Virgin Mary herself. In the 13th century, she is said to have appeared to St. Dominic (founder of the Dominicans), given him a rosary, and asked that Christians pray the Hail Mary, Our Father and Glory Be prayers instead of the Psalms.

Is it a sin to be cremated?

A: In the Bible, cremation is not labeled a sinful practice. The short answer to your question appears to be no, cremation is not a sin. That said, the biblical recordings of funerals explain that God’s people were laid to rest in tombs; usually a hewn rock of some sort with a stone seal.

Why is Jesus on the cross in Catholic churches?

The representation of Jesus himself on the cross is referred to in English as the corpus (Latin for “body”). The crucifix emphasizes Jesus’ sacrifice—his death by crucifixion, which Christians believe brought about the redemption of humankind.