Sign of the Cross

The Sign of the Cross is the simple gesture and prayer with which Christians begin and end their prayers, marking themselves in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is at once a profession of faith in the Trinity and a remembrance of Christ's saving cross. Among the first prayers a Christian learns, it sanctifies the whole of daily life.

• Also known as: In Nomine Patris
• Role: Traditional Catholic prayer

Go deeper in My Daily Bread

Read Sign of the Cross's full story, the people and places connected to it, and how it speaks into today's readings.