ORDINARIVM

SIGNVM CRVCIS

The Sign of the Cross

The Sign of the Cross is the most ancient Christian gesture, attested from the 2nd century by Tertullian. It simultaneously invokes the Holy Trinity and traces upon the body the instrument of salvation. It begins and concludes every prayer, every liturgical act, and every sacrament, marking the Christian from baptism until the final blessing at death.

LATINE
(Manu dextra frontem, pectus, sinistrum et dextrum humerum tangendo)
In nomine Patris,
et Filii,
et Spiritus Sancti.
Amen.
ENGLISH
(With the right hand, touch forehead, breast, left shoulder, then right shoulder)
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.
NOTA
FONS
Traditional (pre-Vatican II)
USUS
Beginning and end of all prayers
CONTEXT
The gesture traces the Cross upon the body while invoking the Trinity. In the Western form, the motion moves from left to right shoulder.