When it comes to expressing one’s faith, knowing how to make the Sign of the Cross is an essential ritual for many Filipino Catholics. This symbolic gesture serves as a visible reminder of the Holy Trinity, symbolizing the belief in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the Philippines, people commonly say a prayer while making the Sign of the Cross. Whether you want to learn the formal or informal ways of saying the Sign of the Cross in Filipino, this guide aims to provide you with tips and examples to help you embrace this important aspect of Filipino Catholic culture.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Way of Saying the Sign of the Cross
For formal occasions, such as attending mass, it is common to use the formal way of saying the Sign of the Cross in Filipino. The prayer associated with this formal gesture can be recited as follows:
Sa ngalan ng Ama, ng Anak, at ng Espiritu Santo. Amen.
This prayer is spoken while making the Sign of the Cross, which involves touching the forehead, then the chest, moving from the left shoulder to the right shoulder.
2. Informal Way of Saying the Sign of the Cross
During informal settings, such as personal prayer or making the Sign of the Cross before meals, a shorter but equally heartfelt version is commonly used. This informal version can be recited as:
Sa pangalan ng Ama, ng Anak, at ng Espiritu Santo. Amen.
In this version, the prayer is nearly the same, but the “ng” particles are shortened to “n” due to colloquial usage. The hand gesture remains the same as in the formal way.
3. Tips for Proper Sign of the Cross
While saying the Sign of the Cross in Filipino, it is important to remember a few key tips:
- Start with the right hand: Begin the gesture by touching the forehead with the right hand, followed by moving downward to the chest, then from the left shoulder to the right shoulder.
- Keep the hand open: While making the Sign of the Cross, it is customary to keep your hand open, with all fingers extended. This signifies an open and receptive heart towards God.
- Be reverent and sincere: Remember to maintain a prayerful and reverent attitude when performing this gesture.
4. Examples of the Sign of the Cross in Filipino
To better understand the Sign of the Cross in Filipino, let’s look at a few examples:
- Example 1: Maria attends Sunday mass and begins with the formal Sign of the Cross. She says, “Sa ngalan ng Ama, ng Anak, at ng Espiritu Santo. Amen” while performing the hand gesture.
- Example 2: Jose sits down for a meal with his family and, before eating, makes the informal Sign of the Cross. He says, “Sa pangalan ng Ama, ng Anak, at ng Espiritu Santo. Amen” while making the appropriate hand gesture.
Conclusion
The Sign of the Cross holds a significant place in the lives of Filipino Catholics. Whether you choose to say the formal or informal version, what truly matters is the sincerity of your faith and the connection you feel with the Holy Trinity. As you continue to incorporate this beautiful gesture into your spiritual practice, may it serve as a constant reminder of God’s love and presence in your life.
