Did you know that it’s traditional to bless your home on Epiphany? This practice stems from the biblical reference to the three kings entering the home where the Holy Family was staying to worship the Christ Child. Start with a short service that you can find online here. Then use blessed chalk to write the letters C, M and B plus the year above your home’s main entrance or interior doors in this format: 20 + C + M + B + 25. The + represents the cross while the letters are the initials of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. They are also an abbreviation for the Latin “Christus mansionem benedicat,” which means: “May Christ bless the house.” It’s a beautiful way to usher in a New Year filled with blessings.
The idea of pilgrimage is central to the upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope. Pilgrimages represent a journey of spiritual renewal. Visiting holy sites enables people to interact closely with places of historical religious significance – deepening their connection with God and experiencing a sense of community with fellow believers who are walking the same literal and spiritual path. However, there are times when health, finances or life circumstances prevent people from making a physical pilgrimage. Here are a few sites on the Jubilee Year itineraries that you don’t have to leave home to experience, thanks to their innovative online presences: