Why do Catholic people cross themselves?

Answer 1

It is a ritual action, a form of prayer, usually performed at the beginning and end of a period of prayer, such as the mass. The gesture recalls the cross of Christ. The accompanying prayer invokes the Trinity, the full expression of God. It's main purpose is to bring the mind into the presence of God.

The sign is very ancient, appearing by the Second Century CE. It was small and furtive at first, growing larger after persecution ended. It was also used as an idenifying gesture. Those who wished to emphasize the two natures of Christ made the sign with two fingers extended. When the doctrine of the Trinity developed, some people used three fingers. Roman Catholics cross left to right, Orthodox Christians cross right to left. In some cultures, the sign is concluded by kissing the fingers of the signing hand.

Answer 2

Why do Catholic cross themselves?

For me, these are gestures just like when you pray, you clasp your hands together or kneel down in deep prayer. Some even stretch out their hands wide looking up to the skies in thanksgiving.

But it's also the same when you say hello and waive your hands, exchange kisses or hugs.

A gesture has alot of history in them. Some depends on cultures, some depends on the social norms. For example, in Japan, people bow to another person as a gesture of saying hello. While in the western world, they extend their hands and shake the other person's hand when saying hello.

It somehow gives the person an identity on where he belongs or in what he believes in. A person who bows when saying hello we will automatically associate this person to the Japanese culture. While a person who cross themselves before praying we automatically associate them with the Catholic Faith.

In some countries, a person will place their clutching hand to their breast while the national enthem is sung. This kind of gesture shows deep respect and pride to their homeland. (I was imagining the recent World Cup ).

However, in some gestures, they bring memories to us. For example, for those who broke up with their sweetheart, a tap on the shoulder will remind them as though their ex was tapping them. This will normally starts a trail of memories especially of the good times spent. Even drinking coffee at the regular cafe which is frequented will also trigger those sweet memories.


Therefore in summary:
When Catholic place the sign of the cross on themselves, they are:

1. Identifying themselves as part of the Roman Catholic family.
2. Remembering the passions of Christ on the Cross
3. Preparing themselves for an encounter with God especially before prayer.
4. The gesture is a prayer itself by asking God to bless them.

Answer 3

>psssst..it's called genuflecting

psssst...no, it's not called genuflecting.

Genuflecting is "bending one's knee in worship or as a sign of respect.". A person might make the sing of the cross while genuflecting ... or they might make the sign of the cross without genuflecting.

Not sure about the Roman Catholics, but for some of us non-RCs, sometimes (when especially thankful) we may make the sign of the cross, giving thanks to God, "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost/Spirit". PERHAPS RCs might also do it asking that God bless them.

Answer 4

It stands for (We do this/or pray this) In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Like many prayers and traditions it is a memory aid to both remind you of the cross and the trinity and to give glory to God in all things.

Answer 5

With the sign of the cross, we acknowledge the Holy Trinity since we recite Sacred Scripture (Matthew 28:19b) and we remember what Jesus did for us.

Here is more on it:

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS

WHEN we cross ourselves, let it be with a real sign of the cross. Instead of a small cramped gesture that gives no notion of its meaning, let us make a large unhurried sign, from forehead to breast, from shoulder to shoulder, consciously feeling how it includes the whole of us, our thoughts, our attitudes, our body and soul, every part of us at once. how it consecrates and sanctifies us.

It does so because it is the Sign of the universe and the sign of our redemption. On the cross Christ redeemed mankind. By the cross he sanctifies man to the last shred and fibre of his being. We make the sign of the cross before we pray to collect and compose ourselves and to fix our minds and hearts and wills upon God. We make it when we finish praying in order that we may hold fast the gift we have received from God. In temptations we sign ourselves to be strengthened; in dangers, to be protected. The cross is signed upon us in blessings in order that the fulness of God's life may flow into the soul and fructify and sanctify us wholly.

Think of these things when you make the sign of the cross. It is the holiest of all signs. Make a large cross, taking time, thinking what you do. Let it take in your whole being,--body, soul, mind, will, thoughts, feelings, your doing and not-doing,-- and by signing it with the cross strengthen and consecrate the whole in the strength of Christ, in the name of the triune God.

Answer 6

Because it's fitting that the most bloodguilty religion in Christendom would frequently use the symbol of Tammuz (a pagan god from Babylon) in their worship.

Answer 7

psssst..it's called genuflecting

Answer 8

They are making sure they have everything. Wallet, watch, spectacles, testacles

Answer 9

Cause Your religion Is all in a Mess.... Christian.. Catholic....Jewish.. etc..etc..