Marking of the Houses with Chalk at Epiphany

THE BLESSING OF CHALK at Epiphany

O Lord God, +bless this chalk that it may be used for the salvation of the human race.

Through the invocation of your most Holy Name grant that whoever takes this chalk and writes with it upon the doors of their house the names of your saints, Kaspar, Melchior and Balthasar, may through their merits and intercession receive health of body and protection of soul.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The lintel of the main door of the house (and other doors if desired) is marked by a senior member of the household in the following way:

20 + C + M + B + <year> (ie 11)

whilst saying the following prayer:

The three Wise Men

Caspar                                                                      C

Melchior                                                                 M

and Balthazar                                                        B

followed the star of God’s Son who became man

Two Thousand                                                           20

and eleven years ago.                                             11

May Christ bless our home                                   ++

and remain with us through the new year      ++

If others are present, you may continue:

Almighty God, incline your ear.

Bless us and all who are gathered here.

Send your holy angel

who will defend us and fill with grace

all who dwell here. Amen.

The C M B also stands for  Christus mansionem benedicat: May God bless this house