217 York Street, Bangor, Maine 04401
Phone: (207) 217-6740
The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord is when we remember the journey of the “Magi” to Bethlehem. The traditional date of Epiphany is January 6, and a customary time for the *blessing of homes. The Feast of the Epiphany is a moveable feast, and in 2023 is celebrated on Sunday, January 8th. Families would often invite their parish priest to visit their homes; the priest would “chalk” the lintel of the main door to the house. A parent or grandparent may also lead the blessing. Using a piece of chalk (usually blessed for the occasion), the leader writes the following across the top of the door: 20 + C + M + B + 23. The numbers give the date of the New Year during which the family asks God’s blessing upon their home and all who enter it. C, M and B are the first letters of the names that tradition gives to the Three Wise Men: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. The letters can also signify the Latin phrase: Christus Mansionem Benedicat, meaning “May Christ bless this house.” The four crosses signify the four seasons of the year and the four points of a compass –“all nations”.
Gather all by the front door.
Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Sign of the Cross)
All: Amen.
Leader: Peace be with this house and with all who live here. Blessed be God forever.
All: Blessed be God forever!
Leader: As the words of the Gospel of John are proclaimed, let us consecrate this door and the space it protects, and all the doors herein, to Christ who is the sheepgate.
[As the Gospel below is slowly proclaimed from the family Bible, use the chalk to inscribe “20 + C + M + B + 23” on the lintel/frame of the front door.]
Reader: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John. (1:1-3, 14). In the beginning was the Word, (inscribe 2) and the Word was with God, (inscribe 0) and the Word was God. (inscribe +) He was in the beginning with God. (inscribe C) All things came to be through Him, (inscribe +) and without Him nothing came to be. (inscribe M) And the Word became flesh (inscribe +) and made his dwelling among us, (inscribe B) and we saw His glory, (inscribe +) the glory as of the Father’s only Son, (inscribe 2) full of grace and truth. (inscribe 3). The Word of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. (Sign of the Cross)
*Click the link for an extended version of the blessing.
Shelley Gould
Parishioner