Epiphany Blessing of Homes at the Start of the Year

The custom of blessing the home on the feast of Epiphany is found in many cultures. This custom has us mark the front doorway with C-M-B, the initials of the magi’s traditional names (Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar) and the year. C-M-B also stands for Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ bless this dwelling”.

Blessed chalk will be available at all Masses this weekend (3rd / 4th).

Using the blessed chalk, mark the current year and the initials of the Maji above the outside doorways of your home. Place a cross between each of the letters. It should look something like this:
20+C+M+B+26

After completing the above markings, pray the following prayer: May all who come to our home this year rejoice to find Christ living among us; and may we seek and serve, in everyone we meet, that same Jesus who is Lord of all people, forever and ever. Amen.