I am fairly new to the Catholic faith. I was wondering a couple of things. I live in a predominatly Hispanic area and I se that their Sign-of-the- Cross concludes with a kiss to the thumb. what are the origins of this. Also an explanation of meaning of this way of making the Sign. Another question involves people kneeling for a few minutes before the Mass right after they come in and get to a pew. Is there aparticular prayer. Or is this quiet reflection before the Mass.

Tom Wallin

-- Tom Wallin (ccwallin@yahoo.com), December 19, 2003

Answers

Response to Mass etiquitte

I don't know exactly how the custom originated, but I am familiar with it since we have a large Hispanic congregation in our parish. We have one Spanish Mass every sunday. Actually what they do is form a small cross with the thumb overlapping the index finger, and then kiss this small cross. So it is another sign of reverence for the cross. The custom is also used by at least some Irish Catholics.

Kneeling and giving one's full attention to Christ whenever one enters the Church is highly recommended. He is the reason we are there. You wouldn't enter a friend's home, walk right by him and turn on the TV, or go to his refrigerator and make youself a sandwich without at least greeting him first. That's what it seems like when people come in, sit down and start chatting with their neighbors, or writing out the budget envelope for the collection. The least we should do is take a few moments to say "hello" to the One Whose house we have entered, giving Him our undivided attention. There is no particular prayer to be said at this time. It's a good time to speak to Him in your own words.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), December 19, 2003.

The custom of making a cross from the thumb and forefinger and kissing the thumb comes from Spain. An excellent article on the sign of the cross is here:

http://www.newadven t.org/cathen/13785a.htm

In Christ, Bill

-- Bill Nelson (bnelson45@hotmail.com), December 20, 2003.

I believe the custom of kneeling in prayer before Mass goes back to the old prayers at the foot of the altar and obviously made sense when the tabernacle was present there. It's still good practice, though. The Church is a special place, and I think we do well to show great reverence before the altar regardless of where the tabernacle is positioned.

-- Dan Webater (danweb@comcast.net), January 02, 2004.