Have you ever walked past a door and seen what appears to be random letters and numbers written at the top? These letters and numbers actually have a great significance.

Traditionally on the feast of Epiphany, Catholics bless their homes by writing the letters C, M, and B and the numbers of the year on either side — so this year it would look like “20+C+M+B+26.”

The letters stand for the traditional names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. They also represent the Latin blessing “Christus mansionem benedicat,” which means “May Christ bless this house.”

How to inscribe the blessing.

1. Gather your household at the main door

2. Pray together (see the prayer below)

3. With the blessed chalk, write above the door lintel (or at the top of the door) and trace across through the year digits for added symbolism of Christ protection

Please send us a photo of your door and inscription so that we can create a collage of images. Please send it to hemeleastwelcome@rcdow.org.uk

Thank you in anticipation.

Prayer of Blessing

Be present, O Lord, to your servants who live in this home and humbly beg your blessing, that those dwelling within my sense you as a refuge, those departing may rejoice in your company, and those returning may delight in you as guest - until we reach the home prepared in our Father's house. You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen

If you have any ideas for helping us transform our parish that you would like to share, please reach out and email hemeleastwelcome@rcdow.org.uk