Epiphany House Blessing
Since the Middle Ages there has been a tradition that on (or near) the feast of the Epiphany we pray for God’s blessing on our homes, marking the door post with chalk (an incarnational image reminding us of the dust of the earth from which we were made).

We mark the main door of our home with the initials of the Magi and the numerals
of the new year, connected with crosses:

20 + C + M + B + 05
The initials remind us of the legendary names of the Magi - Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar - and also stand for the Latin motto: Christus mansionem benedicat,
"May Christ bless this house." 
In the Book of Exodus, the Israelites marked their doors with blood so that the Lord would pass over their homes; but in this ritual, we mark our doors with chalk as a sign that we have invited God's presence and blessing into our homes.

Please use the water and the chalk that you have received at Mass today, the beginning of our Jubilee Year.
With the chalk mark the door of your home or somewhere near the door in this way:
20 + C + M + B + 05

After you have marked your door you may like to use these words:

May all who come to our house this year find Christ among us

May our home be a place of faith,
a dwelling of goodness, love and peace

Bless this house and all who live here.
Fill us with a concern for others and may we reflect your love

In this year of our Lord and God
bless all the members of this house and surround
them with your protection
You may like to sprinkle holy water and say:
As we use this blessed water in faith, forgive our sins and save us from all illness and the power of evil. Amen.

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