Traditional Epiphany House Blessing

(The Prayer with the Three Wise Men and the Inscription on the Doorpost)

On or near the Solemnity of the Epiphany, the family gathers at the front door with blessed chalk (and, if you have it, holy water).

One person leads:
Peace be to this house.
And to all who dwell herein.

Then the blessing is prayed:

Bless, O Lord God almighty, this home,
that in it there may be health, purity, the strength of victory,
humility, goodness and mercy,
the fulfillment of Your law,
the thanksgiving to God the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
And may this blessing remain upon this home
and upon all who dwell herein.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

While the inscription is written above the door (for this year: 20 + C + M + B + 27), the family says:

The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar,
followed the star of God’s Son who became human two thousand and twenty-seven years ago.
May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.

The letters stand for the names of the Magi and also for the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat — “May Christ bless this house.” The crosses are the sign of Christ Himself. Afterward, many families walk through the rooms, sprinkling a little holy water and asking that each space be a place of peace and welcome.