the sign of the cross

In some Christian religions, a gesture resembling a cross that one makes on one's body. In Catholicism, for instance, the act is carried out by using one's right hand to touch one's forehead, chest, left shoulder, and right shoulder in sequence. In addition to being used in religious ceremony, the gesture can also be used (sometimes humorously) to suggest that one needs God's help or protection. "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," the congregation said while making the sign of the cross in unison. We all made the sign of the cross and then joined hands in prayer. We could both hear the boss screaming at someone on the phone, so Carrie made the sign of the cross before she headed into his office.