Blessing Of Homes On The Epiphany Of The Lord
“The traditional method for blessing homes this day [uses] incense, chalk (an incarnational image because it reminds us of the dust of the earth from which we were made), and “Jordan water.” The chalk is used to mark 20 + C + M + B + 22 over doorways. The numerals consecrate the new year. The initials remind us of the legendary names of the magi—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar—and also stand for the Latin motto Christus, mansionem benedicat (‘May Christ bless the house’).” SOURCE: Pastoral Patterns, Winter 2021-2022
Epiphany Proclamation
The proclamation of the date of Easter and the other moveable feasts on Epiphany dates from a time when calendars were not readily available. It was necessary to make known the date of Easter in advance, since many celebrations of the liturgical year depend on its date. The number of Sundays that follow Epiphany, the date of Ash Wednesday, and the number of Sundays that follow Pentecost are all computed in relation to Easter.
Although calendars now give the date of Easter and the other feasts in the liturgical year for many years in advance, the Epiphany proclamation still has value. It is a reminder of the centrality of the resurrection of the Lord in the liturgical year and the importance of the great mysteries of faith that are celebrated each year.
Know, dear brothers and sisters, that, as we have rejoiced at the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so by leave of God’s mercy we announce to you also the joy of his Resurrection, who is our Savior.
On the second day of March
will fall Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the fast of the most sacred Lenten season.
On the seventeenth day of April
you will celebrate with joy Easter Day, the Paschal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ.
On the twenty-sixth day of May
will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.
On the fifth day of June,
the feast of Pentecost.
On the sixteenth day of June,
the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.
On the twenty-seventh day of November,
the First Sunday of the Advent of
our Lord Jesus Christ,
to whom is honor and glory for ever and ever.
Amen.