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There is a custom of blessing homes on the Feast of the Epiphany (6 January) when the family gather to ask God\u2019s blessing on their home and family life. It is an invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in our homes.<\/p>\n
Instructions for Blessing the Home: (where XX is the last two numbers of the new year, e.g. 22, 23, 24, etc.)<\/strong><\/p>\n saying: Then say the following prayer:<\/p>\n Visit, O Blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of your presence. What does the inscription \u201820 + C + M + B + XX\u2032 mean?<\/em> (Source: Irish Catholic Bishops\u2019 Conference)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Blessing of Homes at Epiphany (January 6th) There is a custom of blessing homes on the Feast of the Epiphany (6 January) when the family gather to ask God\u2019s blessing on their home and family life. It is an invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in our homes. Instructions for Blessing the Home: … Continue reading Epiphany Blessing<\/span>
\nUsing\u00a0 chalk mark the lintel of your front door as follows:
\n20 + C + M + B + XX <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u2018The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God\u2019s Son who became human two thousand and twenty one years ago.
\nMay Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year.
\nAmen.\u2019<\/p>\n
\nBless 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.
\nMay we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you;
\nguide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace,
\nO Jesus Christ, now and for ever.
\nAmen.<\/p>\n
\nThe letters have two meanings. First, they represent the initials of the Magi \u2013 Caspar, Malchior, and Balthazar \u2013 who came to visit Jesus in His first home. They also abbreviate the Latin phrase, Christus mansionem benedicat: \u201cMay Christ bless the house.\u201d
\nThe \u201c+\u201d signs represent the cross, and the \u201c20\u201d at the beginning and the number at the end mark the current year.
\nTaken together, this inscription is performed as a request for Christ to bless those homes so marked and that He stay with those who dwell therein throughout the entire year.
\nThis new year, perhaps more than ever, is a year in which we need to invite Jesus into our homes, our Domestic Churches.<\/p>\n