Blessing the home on or near the feast of Epiphany (January 6th) is a tradition that dates from the middle ages.
Using chalk, we mark our doorways with the inscription 20+C+M+B+16, calling to mind the magi, traditionally named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, who journeyed far from their homes to Bethlehem in search of Jesus. The letters also stand for Christus Mansionem Benedicat (May Christ bless this house).
(The “+” signs are crosses, not addition symbols)
Download the prayer for blessing your own home.
Comment(1)
Rosary Bay says:
January 4, 2018 at 2:53 PMIt would be nice to see every house in Montreal blessed and marked as 20 ✞ C ✞ M ✞ B ✞ 18 and to “Restore all things in Christ” (“instaurare omnia in Christo”) for the betterment of personal lives and of the world: https://www.rosarybay.com/pope-st-pius-x-restore-all-things-to-christ.html