In the United States, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany on the Sunday between January 2 and January 8 (the official feast date is January 6). It is sometimes called “Little Christmas” as it marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men (Magi) who came to Bethlehem bringing gifts to worship baby Jesus in the manger. The Blessing of the Home recalls the visit of the Magi and is one of the many Epiphany customs that has long been celebrated in countries around the world. In recent years many Catholic parishes will give their parishioners a piece of blessed chalk with instructions and special prayers to use for this blessing.  

The home blessing can be done as follows:  
Using the blessed chalk, mark the current year and the first initial of the legendary names of the Maji: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar (placing a cross between each letter) above the outside doorways of your home. The initials C+M+B in Latin are, “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” meaning: “May Christ bless this dwelling.” The marking should look like this: 20+C+M+B+23 

After completing the above markings, pray the following: 

Lord, bless this house that it may be a shelter of peace for all who come to visit or dwell here.  May all who enter find Christ’s light and love among us.  Grant that we may serve you in spirit and truth and grow together in an ever-deepening love.  We ask this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, Amen. 

The Blessing of the Home is a very simple and beautiful way to invite God into your home filling it with His presence, love, and protection for all who live and visit. The markings over the doors are an outward sign to all that yours is a Christian home.