Do you make the Sign of the Cross when you pass by a church?
The parish priest of San Antero, Colombia, Father Melson Correa, explained why Catholics make the Sign of the Cross when passing by a church.
This simple gesture—often done almost out of habit—carries a profound meaning of faith and reverence. He urges the faithful not to forget to do it consciously.
In a video shared on his Instagram account, Father Melson reminded viewers that crossing oneself in front of a church is not an empty tradition but an act of respect and recognition of Christ’s real presence in the Tabernacle.
“It’s not a meaningless gesture: it’s an act of reverence, recognition, and respect for the presence of Christ in the temple. As we pass by, we greet Him and acknowledge that He is there,” he explained.
By making the Sign of the Cross, he added, we acknowledge that “Jesus is alive in the Eucharist.”
“Now we understand why many people—some without realizing it and others fully aware of its meaning—always greet the King of Kings, who is inside waiting for them, whenever they pass by a church. And so, you who have just seen this video, do not pass by a church again without making the Sign of the Cross, because now you know why you do it,” the priest emphasized.
Finally, Father Melson encouraged the faithful not only to cross themselves but also to pause for a brief moment of prayer whenever they pass by a church.
“Do it with your heart, because you are not greeting a building… but the Lord Himself, who awaits you in the Tabernacle.”