Epiphany Blessing of Homes

The Solemnity of the Epiphany is traditionally celebrated on January 6, but it is now observed on the Sunday closest to that date.
In 2026, the Epiphany is celebrated on Sunday, January 4.

There is a long-standing tradition on the Feast of the Epiphany in which the head of the household leads their family in prayer and blesses their home. Since it is not possible for the parish priest to bless every home individually, this blessing is meant to be carried out by each family every year.

After the prayer, the head of the household sprinkles holy water throughout the home and uses blessed chalk to mark the main entrance (door lintel) with the following inscription:

20 + C + M + B + 26

• The numbers represent the current year.

• The letters C, M, and B refer to the names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar.

• They also stand for the Latin blessing Christus mansionem benedicat, which means:
  “May Christ bless this house.”

Blessed chalk will be available from Fr. Steven on the Feast of the Epiphany for those who wish to bless their homes.

It is also a good practice to keep holy water in your home. You may bring a small container and obtain holy water from the church, located near the Pietà statue, close to where the organ is situated.