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Carol Moore wrote:

Hi, guys —

  • Why do Catholic Orders perform acts of penance like lying flat on the ground in the Sign of the Cross?
  • What was the function of this particular ritual?

Best wishes,

Carol

  { Why do Catholic Orders perform penance like lying flat on the ground in the Sign of the Cross? }

Eric replied:

Hi Carol,

Prostration is an ancient sign of deep humility before the Lord. Just as raising yourself above someone can be a sign that you consider yourself superior to them, taking the lowest possible position is a sign that one is below the Lord in the ultimate way.

For references check out this result from BibleGateway.com.

The Cross part is just a Christian tradition that flourished in honor of the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Hope this helps,

Eric

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