Sts. Placidus and Companions Martyrs

Baltimore track

Baltimore Catechism No. 3

Lesson 27 — On the Sacramentals

Q. 1064.How do we make the sign of the cross?

A.We make the sign of the cross by putting the right hand to the forehead, then on the breast, and then to the left and right shoulders, saying, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen."

Q. 1065.What is a common fault with many in blessing themselves?

A.A common fault with many in blessing themselves is to make a hurried motion with the hand which is in no way a sign of the cross. They perform this act of devotion without thought or intention, forgetting that the Church grants an indulgence to all who bless themselves properly while they have sorrow for their sins.

Q. 1066.Why do we make the sign of the cross?

A.We make the sign of the cross to show that we are Christians and to profess our belief in the chief mysteries of our religion.

Q. 1067.How is the sign of the cross a profession of faith in the chief mysteries of our religion?

A.The sign of the cross is a profession of faith in the chief mysteries of our religion because it expresses the mysteries of the Unity and Trinity of God and of the Incarnation and death of our Lord.