Anyone can bless a cross, knowing however that the blessing is an appeal to God, not a guarantee of any effect. In many Christian traditions, a priest or any other ordained member of the church can place a formal blessing on a cross before showing it in church or for use in a ceremony.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Bless a Cross
Step 1. Choose a cross or crucifix
A cross consists only of the shape of the cross, while a crucifix also carries an image of Jesus Christ on the cross. Both can be blessed, but it is the crucifix that is used in almost all official Catholic and Orthodox ceremonies. Protestants generally prefer the cross alone, not the crucifix.
- There are different variants of cross and crucifix, with different numbers and kinds of cross bars and the presence or absence of writings. If you belong to a parish, you can ask your priest what kind of cross he prefers to use.
- Some crucifixes have a skull under Christ's feet, representing the remains of Adam. This is more common in the Catholic tradition, but in general it is neither required nor prohibited.
Step 2. Consider having a priest perform the blessing
In many churches, including Catholic ones, blessing by a priest, deacon, or any other official member of the Church is considered more effective than blessing by a simple believer. For a small cross, such as those to be worn around the neck, the blessing depends on the choice of the priest.
- An example of a Catholic blessing: "May this cross and whoever carries it be blessed, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."
- An example of an Orthodox blessing: "O Creator and Author of humanity, Bearer of grace and Dispenser of eternal salvation, grant, You Father, sent by the Holy Spirit, a blessing from on high on this cross which, strengthened by the power of protection divine, may it lead to salvation and bring help to the one who wishes to use it, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
- For more information on the difference between a priest's blessing and that of an ordinary person, see the section on using the blessed cross.
Step 3. Blessing the cross alone may not have the same effect as a blessing given by a priest, but anyone can ask God to bless a cross or other object
You can say any prayer to do this, for example one of the following:
- Lord, bless this cross to be an instrument of your Divine Mercy in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.
- Bless this cross in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Step 4. For a publicly displayed cross or crucifix, have a priest recite the blessing
Although the Bible does not prescribe a ritual for the blessing of the cross, the Catholic Church has created official rites collected under the name of the Roman Ritual. Here is a solemn blessing designed for the crosses on display, such as those in the church.
Priest: Dear brothers and sisters, let us adore the eternal plan of the Father who in the mystery of the Cross gave us the sacrament of his mercy. Looking at the Cross we see the memorial of Christ's love for the Church his bride. Saluting the Cross we make memory of Christ who by his blood broke down the wall of division, and made all peoples the one people of God. Therefore, let us commit ourselves with all our soul to participate in this celebration, so that the mystery of the Cross reveals its radiant light to us and communicates its redemptive power to us.
Let's pray."
Everyone prays for a few moments in silence. Then the priest with outstretched arms continues.
Priest: "Father of mercy, your Son, before passing from this world to you, hanging from the wood of the Cross, reconciled the human family in his blood; turn your gaze to your faithful who have erected this sign of salvation; make them draw strength from it to carry their cross every day, and by walking along the paths of the Gospel they may happily reach the eternal goal. For Christ our Lord. He who created heaven and earth."
All: "Amen."
Method 2 of 2: Using a Blessed Cross
Step 1. Learn about the sacraments
In official Catholic practice, as in many other denominations, sacramental objects are typically created by God through the Church, not through ordinary people. Sacramental objects, also called minor sacraments in the Orthodox tradition, have potentially similar, but not identical, effects to the sacraments, which are rites of great importance to the Church. Even in the same denomination, experts disagree on the efficacy of sacraments, but according to some theologians, a cross blessed by a priest may be able to ward off evil or forgive venial sins.
Protestant denominations have fewer official sacraments, and often don't even use this name
Step 2. Understand the nature of a blessing without a priest
A non-ordained person can still perform a blessing, but these are requests to God, not the creation of a sacramental object. There are no guarantees that the cross will become holy, or consecrated. It is not suitable for church ceremonies until it has received an official blessing from an ordained member of the Church.
Step 3. Wear small crosses or crucifixes with respect
The Catholic Church does not give mandatory instructions on how to wear a small cross. Wear it however you like, but treat it with reverence. Do not wear it as an ornament or jewelry. Catholics are discouraged from wearing the cross in a way that would cause scandal or offense, even when you shouldn't consider it disrespectful.
Step 4. Learn how to dispose of an old cross
A cross loses its blessing if it is sold for profit or if it is broken. If it's not broken, you can have it blessed again. If, on the other hand, you decide to discard it, melt it or tear it to pieces so that it loses the appearance of a cross. You can use the molten metal for other purposes, or bury the pieces to return to the earth.
Advice
- Many blessings originate from other languages, often Latin, and have several translations into Italian. You may recognize a blessing, but be used to knowing it in slightly different words; feel free to use the version you are used to, as long as you don't change the meaning.
- The Catholic "Roman Ritual" contains even longer blessings for a cross displayed in public.
