Epiphany Blessing of the Chalk

St. Veronica is observing the blessing of the chalk for the Feast of the Epiphany, January 5, 2025. This age old tradition asks the newborn Christ child to bless our homes and that at the end of our earthly lives, we will behold with our own eyes, Christ our Savior, just as the three wise men saw the Christ child over two thousand years ago.

It has been a tradition in the Catholic Church to bless chalk at the Masses for Epiphany, and then use the blessed chalk as part of the blessing one’s home in the New Year.

Blessed chalk packets are available in the vestibules. Please take one per family, please.

The home blessing can be done as follows: Use the blessed chalk to write: 20+C+M+B+25 above the doorways: 2025 for the year, C,M,B for the 3 Magi–Casper, Melchior, and Balthasar–and for Christus Mansionem Benedicat, Latin for “May Christ Bless this House”

As you are writing, pray one of the following prayers:

May all who come to our home this year rejoice to find Christ living among us; and may we seek and serve, in everyone we meet, that same Jesus who is Lord, forever and ever. Amen. OR

Lord God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. OR

Lord our God, bless this household. May we be blessed with health goodness of heart, gentleness, and the keeping of your law. We give thanks to you, Father, Son, and Holly Spirit, now and forever. Amen.