It is an ancient custom in many countries to have a priest come on the feast of the Epiphany to bless the home. As this is usually not possible today, the same blessing can be read by the head of the house (see below). After the blessing the initials of the three Magi -- Gaspar, Melchior, Balthasar -- are written with white chalk on the inside of the door, framed by the number of the year, all symbols connected by signs of the cross: +20 +G +M +B +00+.
V. Peace be to this house.
R. And to all that dwell herein.
Antiphon: From the East the Magi came 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.
Read the Magnificat: Luke 1: 46-55, while the home is sprinkled with holy water.
| 46 | And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord. |
| 47 | And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. |
| 48 | Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. |
| 49 | Because he that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is his name. |
| 50 | And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him. |
| 51 | He hath shewed might in his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. |
| 52 | He hath put down the mighty from their seat and hath exalted the humble. |
| 53 | He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away. |
| 54 | He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy. |
| 55 | As he spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and to his seed for ever. |
Antiphon: From the East the Magi came 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 Our Father is prayed silently.
Let us pray. O God, Who by the guidance of a star didst this day reveal Thy Only Begotten Son to the Gentiles, grant that we who now know Thee by faith may be brought to the contemplation of Thy heavenly majesty. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Gohost, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Response. Be enlightened and shine forth, O Jerusalem, for thy light is come, and upon thee is risen the glory of the Lord, Jesus Christ born of the Virgin Mary.
V. Nations shall walk in thy light, and kings in the splendor of thy birth.
R. And the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
Let us pray. Bless, O Lord, almighty God, this home that it be the shelter of health, chastity, self-conquest, humility, goodness, mildness, obedience to the commandments, and thanksgiving to God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. May the blessing remain for all time upon this dwelling and them that live herein. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.