Q: Someone pointed out to me yesterday that there are three crosses indicated for the solemn blessing of the Mass for the Dedication of a Church. I’m assuming that it’s a mistake and simply take over from the Ceremonial of Bishops. Right?

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A: Someone has an eagle eye. I’m sure the reason for those three crosses is that that blessing pertains to the Mass at which a church is dedicated, and at which a bishop is the presider. It is not worded for the anniversary of a dedication of a church, as you can tell from the first element, which pertains to the dedication itself.

A bishop performs his usually threefold gesture when he offers that blessing.