Because the Cross is then a sign of honor, of blessing and power, because it is an effective remedy against evils of body and soul, the Church has always exhorted the faithful by word and example to make zealous use of the same at all times.  Since the time of the Apostles the sign of the Cross has been made by the faithful in all their undertakings.  Through this sign they dedicated their work to God and invoke the divine blessing upon it.

The Fathers teach that this custom originated with the Apostles; it is related even by a pious legend that Christ Himself at His ascension into heaven blessed the Apostles with this sign.  How universal this custom was among Christians of the early centuries may be learned from the words of St. Chrysostom:  “We find everywhere the sign of the Cross, it is used by princes and subjects, by women and men, by the slaves and the free.  They all sign themselves with it by making it over their foreheads.”

Let us then imitate the pious Christians of those days when faith was more lively and robust, and let us never be ashamed of this sign of honor!  What would you think of a soldier ashamed of his colors?  Let us not be ashamed of this sign, lest Jesus be ashamed of us, when He comes in power and majesty, with the Cross shining before Him like the sun.  Let us not deprive ourselves of the manifold blessings of this sign, either through fear of our fellowmen or indifference.  Let us make abundant use of this sign of power, so that we may participate in the blessing and protection that comes from the Cross, most especially when assailed by the enemies of our salvation.  This sign of the Cross should be placed upon the forehead, lips and breast, before our prayers, for by this our thoughts, our words, and the emotions of our heart are consecrated and become more pleasing to God.  This is the purpose of beginning the prayer of the rosary with the sign of the Cross.  But, remember, it is not enough to make the sign merely with the fingers, our spirit must take part in making it, and it should be made with reverence, devotion, with a lively faith and firm confidence in the merits of Jesus Christ.  Christians who make this sign thoughtlessly and without devotion deprive themselves of the great blessings of this holy sign.  We, however, who have just contemplated this glorious token of salvation will use it with the greatest zeal and piety, and profess with it our faith in the blessed Trinity and in our holy mother Church.  Amen.

V. THE EXCELLENCE OF THE VARIOUS PARTS OF THE ROSARY

(b) The Apostles’ Creed.

“For with the heart, we believe unto justice:  but, with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. x, 10).