Sign of the Cross, rediscovering its Meaning

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio

In this 14 minute podcast, Dr. Italy discusses with Anna Mitchell the various layers of meaning of the sign of the cross, one of the biblical treasures of the Catholic tradition.

The sign of the cross is one of the hallmarks of Catholic life and prayer. Yet often it is made mechanically, even unconsciously. And if many were asked what it means, where it came from, and why it matters, they wouldn’t really have much to say.

The Sign of the Cross & Baptism

This sign actually goes back to the apostolic church of the first century and is a reminder of our baptism. As circumcision was the mark or seal of the first covenant, the sign of the cross is the outward mark or seal of the New Covenant. It is a reminder that, through the cross of Jesus Christ, we are changed, saved, and made sons and daughters of God. Initially, it is traced on the forehead of a new Christian in baptism. Later it is traced again with sacred chrism in confirmation. It is “the name of God and of the Lamb” on their foreheads that marks the 144,000 in white robes in the book of Revelation. It is sort of brand mark, designating us as God’s property and under his protection.

Rich Heritage of Catholic Tradition

The sign of the cross is just one example of the richness and depth of the Catholic Tradition. This podcast brings this gift out of the treasure chest of tradition and urges us to understand it, recover its meaning, and unlock its power in our lives.

Dr. Italy appears weekly on the Sonrise Morning show, a production of Sacred Heart Radio. This show is on the air Monday through Friday over the EWTN Global Catholic Radio network with over 120 local affiliate stations in the US. Podcasts from the Sonrise Morning show are available on both Sacred Heart radio site and www.crossroadsinitiative.com.

For more on the Meaning of the Sign of the Cross, read CATHOLIC TRADITION & THE SIGN OF THE CROSS. For the scriptural background of this podcast and article, read Galatians 6:14-17.