Every year, millions of Catholics bless their homes on Epiphany. They’re inviting Jesus to be a constant guest in their home, for their joys, their sorrows, their friends, their families, and their decisions. We have a piece of chalk blessed by our priest that we use to write above our door. This year, our priest was extremely confused as to what we were doing, so apparently it’s not a tradition at our new church, but I simply adore this tradition, so we were sure to start the year off right by blessing our home on Epiphany.
So, how do you bless your home? Take chalk and write above the entrance to your home 20 + C + M + B + 17 (or whatever year it is). The letters “CMB” have two meanings. First, they’re the initials of the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. They’re also an abbreviated version of the Latin words for “May Christ bless the home:” Christus mansionem benedicat. The “+” signs represent the cross and, of course, the 20 and 17 represent the year (so change those last two as the year changes).
We use the Carmelite’s blessing of the home words:
The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son who became human two thousand and fifteen years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.
Then offer the following prayer: Visit, O blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of your presence. Bless all who live or visit here with the gift of your love; and grant that we may manifest your love to each other and to all whose lives we touch. May we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen.
Do you chalk your door on Epiphany? If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate your faith into your everyday life, check out this post about 5 books every Catholic mama needs!
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