Am I wrong to make the sign of the cross over my children's homes?
The short answer
No — privately, it is appropriate to bless your family. In church, lay people should refrain, since it could be confused with a priest's blessing. Tracing a cross on the forehead is a good way to bless. The cross is the sign of our salvation and fitting in daily life.
Not in church
Lay people should avoid giving such blessings in church, where they could be confused with the blessing only a priest can give.
At home
Blessing family members privately is appropriate. Making the sign of the cross on the forehead is a good way, since it is less likely to be taken for a priestly blessing.
The cross in daily life
One grandmother, kneading bread, always ended by marking a cross on the dough. The cross is the sign of our salvation, and it is most fitting to use it in daily life.
Continue exploring
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