04/01/2026
EPIPHANY SUNDAY 2026 (Jan. 4, 2026)
Traditionally every Feast of the Epiphany we bless our home. It is an invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in our home, our comings and goings, our conversations, our work and play, our joys and sorrows.
A traditional way of doing this is to use blessed chalk to write above the home’s entrance, 20 + C + M + B + 26.
The letters C, M, B have two meanings:
1. They are the initials of the traditional names of the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.
2. They also abbreviate the Latin words CHRISTUS MANSIONEM BENEDICAT, “May Christ bless the house.” The “+” signs represent the cross and 2026 is the year.
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 Jesus. The inscription is made above the front door, so that all who enter and depart this year may enjoy God’s blessing.
Instructions for the Epiphany Blessing
Epiphany Blessing of Doors and Houses
(that any parishioner may use)
Using the blessed chalk, mark the lintel of your front door (or front porch step) as follows:
20 + C + M + B + 26 while saying:
"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-six years ago (write the numbers 26 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. Amen. (then the last two crosses between M and B and between B and 26)."
Then offer the following prayer:
Visit, O blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of your presence. Bless all who live or visit here with the gift of your love; and grant that we may manifest your love to each other and to all whose lives we touch. May we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen
The head of the family (father or mother) or any senior member may then proceed to sprinkle the interior of the home with the blessed Epiphany Water.
“Chalking the door” is a way to celebrate and literally mark the occasion of the Epiphany and God’s blessing of our lives and home. With time the chalk will fade. As it does we let the meaning of the symbols written sink into the depths of our heart and be manifest in our words and actions the Latin words, CHRISTUS MANSIONEM BENEDICAT, “May Christ bless the house.”
