Epiphany & Annual Catholic Blessing of the Home (Chalking the Door)
📜 Liturgical Tradition: Traditionally celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6th) or whenever moving into a new residence. Using blessed chalk, the head of the home writes above the main entrance: 20 + C + M + B + 26 (Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar / Christus Mansionem Benedicat: "May Christ Bless this House").
🕯️ Instructions: Walk through the rooms of the home with holy water, sprinkling each doorway while reciting these prayers.
Leader: Peace be to this house.
All: And to all who dwell herein.
Leader: From the East came the Magi to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasures they offered costly gifts: gold to the great King, incense to the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial. Alleluia.
The Inscription Prayer (Write on the lintel: 20 + C + M + B + 26):
Bless, O Lord God Almighty, this home, that in it there may be health, purity, the strength of victory, humility, goodness and mercy, the fulfillment of Thy law, and thanksgiving to God the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
May Thy holy angels dwell within these walls to guard, cherish, protect, visit, and defend all who inhabit this sanctuary. May all who enter here find peace, warmth, and Christian hospitality. Drive far from this threshold all darkness, discord, bitterness, and demonic oppression.
And may this blessing remain upon this house and upon all who reside here, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Click "Say Amen" to unite your intention with believers praying worldwide.
Leave a Physical Sign of Your Prayer
In Christian tradition, a prayer does not end when you close your eyes. Leave an enduring sign in the sanctuary so your intention is held in continuous vigil.
Offer a Holy Mass
Have an ordained priest offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for this specific medical, family, or personal burden.
Post to Prayer Wall
Invite our global global community of faithful believers to lift your intention in daily intercession.
This prayer touched your heart? Share it with someone who needs it 🙏
Answered Graces from Fellow Believers
"Biopsy Results Returned 100% Benign"
I recited this novena every day before my surgery and lit a 7-day vigil candle. The peace that entered my heart the night before was inexplicable. Two days later, my oncologist called to say the biopsy came back completely benign. Glory to God!
"Reconciliation with My Estranged Son"
My eldest son had not spoken to our family for over 4 years. We offered a Holy Mass intention for him on his birthday and united in prayer on this wall. Two weeks later, he knocked on our front door asking for forgiveness. God never abandons a praying mother.
"Breakthrough After 6 Months of Unemployment"
Facing foreclosure, I turned to this prayer every morning at dawn. When my savings were down to their last week, a company I had interviewed with two months prior called out of nowhere offering a higher salary with full benefits. Keep the faith!
"Sudden Deliverance from Crippling 3 AM Panic"
I woke up gasping with chest-tightening anxiety and dread. I opened MyPrayerTower and read this prayer out loud. By the time I whispered the final Amen, a tangible warmth washed over my chest. I fell asleep in total peace. Jesus is real.
Common Questions about Epiphany & Annual Catholic Blessing of the Home (Chalking the Door)
Grow Closer to God Every Day
Join thousands of Catholics receiving our daily prayer notifications, Mass readings, and spiritual reflections. Completely free.