Enchiridion · Grant 28 §2, 2°
The Sign of the Cross
Make the Sign of the Cross devoutly with the customary Trinitarian words.
Time required No fixed minimum; about 6–15 seconds
- When
- Any day
- Where
- Any suitable place
- Who
- All eligible faithful
- Application
- Self or the departed
The prescribed work
- Sign yourself with the cross.
- Say the customary invocation of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
This is a named example within a broader grant, not an additional independent grant.
The work and its conditions
The general requirements include at least a general intention, the state of grace by the completion of the work, and a contrite heart. Complete the work as prescribed.
Conditions common to every indulgence
The person gaining an indulgence must be baptized, not excommunicated, and in the state of grace at least when the prescribed works are completed. There must be at least a general intention to gain indulgences, and the prescribed work must be performed at the time and in the manner required by the grant.
Read the full conditions and norms. The cited grant and its specific provisions govern.
Time required
Read each branch with its own conditions. An editorial estimate is not a prescribed minimum.
Devout recitation
Editorial estimate
About 6–15 seconds
No fixed minimum is prescribed. The range is an editorial estimate for an unhurried spoken recitation; singing, language and personal pace can change the duration.
What the time estimate excludes
- Ordinary travel to and from the venue, and waiting outside the prescribed work
- Preparation and the ordinary conditions for a plenary indulgence, unless they are themselves part of the prescribed work
Prayer texts and resources
Follow the prayer count and formula specified in the requirements.
Source and exact reference
Prayer texts and grants have separate source histories. Consult the grant source for the prescribed work, occasion, and conditions.