Question 258 – Is it okay for priests to bless young children who are not ready for communion with a sign of the cross?

Interview Organization: The Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima
Interviewer Name: Christopher Wendt
Date: March 14, 2024
Young couples often bring their children to the community, symbolizing Christ's call for little ones to come to Him. It's a meaningful, grace-filled moment for the innocent children. However, priests should avoid touching children with their fingers when holding the host to prevent fragments from transferring. A distant sign of the cross is suggested instead.
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Transcript:

Well, it often happens that young couples, mothers, and fathers bring their children to the community because they cannot leave them in the pew. This is a beautiful and visible sign of what Christ said: "Let the little ones come to Me," and they are indeed coming to Him.

They are in His real presence. I think it is a very meaningful and grace-filled moment for these little children, who are innocent.

However, I would suggest, practically speaking, not to touch the children with the priest's fingers, especially when he is holding the host. It would not be meaningful to make the sign of the cross on the children's foreheads, as there could still be fragments of the host on the priest's fingers. Instead, the priest can simply make a small sign of the cross from a distance above the child. Would be possible.