29 December 2013

Epiphany House Blessing

After we remodeled our house, we wanted to have it blessed again.  The traditional time for blessing ones house is Epiphany, 5 January, during the Christmas Season.  Again this year we will bless our home, but here's a little tour from when we last had our house blessed.

Our family priest, Monsignor Purcell, came to do the blessing (although you can do it yourself too.)  Our whole family was present and I quite embarrassed them by having every room blessed, including the laundry, and the bathrooms.  One never knows.  I spend a lot of time in my laundry room!

We gathered together to give thanks for the blessing of our home.  Each room  This home where we play, pray and rest together.


Monsignor Purcell is a blessing to our family.  He is counselor, spiritual director, friend a priest of great inspiration.  We go to him for all our sacraments and, well, just about everything!


Here he is after blessing our house,  entering the date in our family Bible. We feel it is the last touch to make our home; our home sweet home.


 May we be worthy of our blessings, and not have to mop up to many messes.  I told you our priest does everything for us!


From our home to yours, this new year, may your loved ones be healthy, your life filled with true joy and your home be blessed.

If you'd like to do your own house blessing on Epiphany here's how.
Items needed:  chalk and a small bottle of holy water.  Gather with family members, friends, and perhaps some neighbors at the from door.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Tradition names the magi:
Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.
With chalk, their initials sigh this doorway, along with four crosses of the seasons, and the numerals of the new year.
(20 + C + M + B + 14)

Let us pray:  Christus mansionem benedicat.
May Christ bless this house, Amen.

Each room is sprinkled with holy water.

Living room:
Bring us to live with you one day in heaven.
Bless this room, O Lord. Amen.

Kitchen:
You prepare for us a rich feast.
Bless this room, O Lord. Amen.

Dining room:
Feed us at the heavenly banquet.
bless this room O Lord. Amen.

Bedrooms:
In your alone we rest securely.
Bless this room, O Lord. Amen.

Bathroom:
You cleanse us from every impurity.
Bless this room, O Lord. Amen.

all return to the front door to pray together.

Our Father…

All are sprinkled with holy water.

Bless this household through all days to come, father, son, and Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.



From our house to yours, It's still the Christmas Season.  Live life to the fullest!

Blessings,

Tia



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