The octave of Epiphany is a time historically set aside for the annual blessing of the Catholic home. Traditionally a priest would be invited over for a meal followed by the house being walked through and blessed with Epiphany water. Then the door would be chalked with the year and initials of the wisemen, Casper, Melchior, and Balthasar who were said to be from Africa, Asia, & Europe. These initials also served as an acronym for the Latin phrase, "Christus mansionem benedicat," or “May Christ bless the house.”
If you are unable to have your priest come over to perform the blessing your family can easily do it with the following booklet. On Epiphany Sunday look for the blessed chalk put out by you parish and bring a bottle or jar for the Epiphany water. You can use a branch for showering the Epiphany water. If chalk is not provided you can pick up some school chalk and bless it with your family using the blessing provided.
Epiphany water is special in that it requires an extra long, about 45 minute, ritual to make it blessed. It also has two exorcisms and contain a small amount of blessed salt. A lot of folks keep it around to sip on fasting days or in times of sickness. If you can’t find Epiphany water just us regular holy water or visit your local FSSP parish.
During Epiphanytide it is also customary to have salt blessed to be used at home throughout the year. Never hesitate to ask your parish priest to bless something for your family. Giving blessings is an important part of their vocation and I've yet to come across a priest that wasn't pleased to do so.
Following the house blessing your family can sing hymns and celebrate with a party and king cake. The text for two Epiphany hymns, "We Three Kings" and "Songs of Thankfulness and Praise," are included in this booklet. You can find the downloadable recording for the later below.
You can find more ideas on celebrating the Epiphany of our Lord, activities, music, book suggestions, and more in the Epiphany episode of our liturgical living show here:
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"Songs of Thankfulness and Praise"
Just right click to download this recording for your family's use.
