Lintel inscription: 20 + C + M + B + 19
The letters have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional names of the Three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. They also abbreviate the Latin words “Christus mansionem benedicat.” “May Christ bless the house.” The letters recall the day on which the inscription is made, as well as the purpose of blessing.
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 Christ. The inscription is made above the front door, so that all who enter and depart this year may enjoy God’s blessing.
To bless your home this Epiphany, read the Prologue of St. John’s Gospel (i.e., the Last Gospel used at Mass), followed by the Our Father, and the Collect of the Epiphany; then write the inscription for this year above your front door with blessed chalk.
It is customary in some places for parish priests to bless water on the eve of Epiphany, which is used for the blessing of homes the next day. Chalk for each family is also blessed so that they may mark the names of the Three Magi over their doors, as a witness of the Faith, to beseech salvific benefits, and protection against evil.
The lintel of the main door of the house (and other doors if desired) is marked with blessed chalk by the father of the household in the following manner:
20+C+M+B+19 (the suffix of the current year) while saying the following prayer:
The Three Wise Men
C Caspar
M Melchior
B and Balthasaar,
followed the star of God’s Son who became Man
20 Two-thousand
19 and nineteen years ago
+ May Christ
+ Bless our home
+ and remain with us
+ through the new year.
Almighty God, incline Thine ear. Bless us and all who are gathered here. Send Thy holy angel who will defend us, and fill with grace all who dwell here. Amen
The father may then proceed to sprinkle the interior of the home with the blessed Epiphany Water.
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