he traditional date of Epiphany is January 6, but in the United States it is celebrated on the Sunday between January 2 and January 8.
It is a long-held Catholic tradition to bless one’s home on (or near) the celebration of the Epiphany by using chalk to write a special inscription above the home’s entrance. This weekend, we are blessing chalk at Mass for you to take home and participate in this tradition.
If you are unable to attend Mass at Our Lady this weekend, you can bless chalk at home yourself! You can find the blessing to do so below.
The inscription written over the door changes every year. For this year, you should write: “20 + C + M + B + 23.”
The Letters C, M, and B have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional names of the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. They are also the first letters of the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ bless the house.” The + signs represent the cross, and 2023 is the year.
Below we have included a very family-friendly Epiphany home blessing. Here is a different one, from the USCCB. Both are perfectly valid!
Blessing the Chalk
Priest/Adult: Our help is the name of the Lord:
All: The maker of heaven and earth.
Priest/Adult: The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in:
All: From this time forth for evermore.
Priest/Adult: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Priest/Adult: Let us pray.
All: Loving God, bless this chalk which you have created, that it may be helpful to your people; and grant that through the invocation of your most Holy Name all who use it in faith to write upon the doors of their homes the names of your saints, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, may receive health of body and protection of soul for all who dwell in or visit their home; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(You may sprinkle the chalk with holy water.)
Instructions for Blessing the Home
Optional Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-16.
Also optional, you can sprinkle holy water in each room of your house while singing hymns or praying the rosary. Then gather at the front door to your home.
Using the blessed chalk, mark the lintel of your front door (or front porch step, or a wall within your home) as follows:
20 + C + M + B + 23
saying:
The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son who became human two thousand and twenty-three years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.
Then say 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 for ever. Amen.
