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.