What is the meaning of 20 C M B 19?

The markings, usually “20 + C + M + B + 19,” are a way for Catholics to show an outward devotion to God, ask His blessings in the new year and to pay homage to the Magi who visited Christ in his first home. (

What is the meaning of 20 C M B 22?

Either on Twelfth Night (5 January), the twelfth day of Christmastide and eve of the feast of the Epiphany, or on Epiphany Day (6 January) itself, many Christians (including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians and Roman Catholics, among others) write on their doors or lintels with chalk in a pattern such as …

What do Catholics write above doors?

The practice is called “chalking the doors” because priests traditionally would bless the house and then use chalk to write above the main entrance the specific year, separated by the letters C, M and B (e.g., 20+C+M+B+20, for the 2020 blessing).

What is the blessing of the chalk?

The blessing of the chalk takes place just before the final blessing and dismissal. The following prayer may be used: May God, who provided a safe dwelling place for the eternal Word, bless this chalk, the homes of the faithful, and the people who live there, through Christ our Lord.

What is the Epiphany house blessing?

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 Your law, the thanksgiving to God the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. And may this blessing remain upon this home and upon all who dwell herein.

What do the numbers above the door mean?

The numbers are representing the current year. Thus, 20 letters 20 means = 2020. The letters are the initials of Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, the three wise men. Though more often it represents the blessing for the building.

Are the Three Kings Saints?

Although the Bible does not specify who or what the Magi were, since the seventh century, the Magi have been identified in Western Christianity as Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. Caspar and the other two are considered saints by the Catholic Church.

What does a cross on the front door mean?

At times of plague, it was common to mark the doors of victims of the disease with a large painted cross, either in red or black paint. In later times, large printed crosses were often affixed to doors.

How do I bless my house?

As you mark the sign of the cross, utter a simple prayer asking God to bless the room. For example “In the name of Jesus Christ I ask for Your peace and joy to inhabit this room,” or “May Your Holy Spirit flow through and fill this home up with Your Spirit.”

What prayer do you say when blessing a house with holy water?

Praying with Holy Water Here’s a simple prayer to say when using holy water, especially for when your blessing yourself with the Sign of the Cross: “By this holy water and by Your Precious Blood, wash away all my sins, O Lord. Amen.” This is just a suggestion, of course.

What is the Epiphany prayer?

Epiphany Prayer Keep us in that wisdom which you revealed to the Wise Men. Grant us your Holy Spirit, that we may always seek you and your kingdom. Enable us to follow your holy Word, as those from the East followed the leading of a star. Give us grace at all times and in all places to confess your holy name.