Epiphany Blessing 20+C+M+B+23

The True Meaning of Christmas...

The 3 Kings... Magi... The Wisemen 

The Epiphany and the House Blessing 

January 6th, 2023

The Epiphany of Our Lord, Jesus Christ...

Epiphany Blessing 20+C+M+B+23

𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙢 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩 

May Christ Bless this House

𝗘𝗽𝗶𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀 

𝟮𝟬 + 𝗖 + 𝗠 + 𝗕 + 𝟮𝟯

"The letters have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional names of the Three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. They also abbreviate the Latin words 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙢 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩 (May Christ bless the house). The letters recall the day on which the inscription is made, as well as the purpose of blessing."

"The crosses represent the protection of the Precious Blood of Christ, whom we invoke, and the holiness of the Three Magi sanctified by their adoration of the Infant Christ. The inscription is made above the front door, so that all who enter and depart this year may enjoy God’s blessing."

"The month of January still bears the name of the Roman god Janus, the doorkeeper of heaven and protector of the beginning and end of things. This blessing “christens” the ancient Roman observance of the first month. The inscription is made of chalk normally, (I used a pencil above the inside of my door PSJ) which is a product of clay, which recalls the human nature taken by the Adorable and Eternal Word of God in the womb of the Virgin Mary, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴

To bless your home this Epiphany, READ THE PROLOGUE OF ST. JOHN'S GOSPEL John 1:1-18 

The Word became Flesh!

Followed by OUR FATHER, and the COLLECT OF THE EPIPHANY:

"O God, Who by the leading of a star didst, as on this day, manifest thine Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, which know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead: Through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen."

Then write the inscription for this year above your front door with blessed chalk. The lintel of the main door of the house (and other doors if desired) is marked by a senior member of the household (usually the father) in the following way:  𝟮𝟬 + 𝗖 + 𝗠 + 𝗕 + 𝟮𝟯

Whilst saying the following prayer:

"The Three Wise Men, Caspar (write the letter C), Melchior (write the letter M) and Balthazar (write the letter B ) followed the star of God’s Son Who became man, Two Thousand (write the numbers 20 in front) and Twenty-three years ago (write the numbers 23 at the end). May Christ bless our home (inscribe the first two crosses between 20 and C and between C and M), and remain with us through the new year (then the last two crosses between M and B and between B and 23)." 

"Almighty God, incline your ear. Bless us and all who are gathered here. Send your holy angel who will defend us and fill with grace all who dwell here. R. Amen." The senior member may then proceed to sprinkle the interior of the home with the blessed Epiphany Water."

Site Reference: FB OLOVC Manila, Philippines