Sunday 3rd January 2016
Sunday of The Epiphany of The Lord
20+C+M+B+16
11am Sung Ordinariate Mass
at St John Fisher Catholic Church
Home to the Southend Ordinariate Mission
Celebrant: Fr. Bob White
Epiphany Blessing: Christus
mansionem benedicat
Dear Friends
A very Happy
and peaceful New Year to you all!
On this
glorious feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, here again is the traditional
blessing from the Roman Ritual with a little explanation of it.
Chalk the Epiphany
Inscription Over the Doorway of the Home:-
20 + C + M + B + 16
The letters
have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional names of the Three
Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. They also abbreviate the Latin words Christus+
Mansionem + Benedicat. May Christ bless the house.” The letters recall the day
on which the inscription is made, as well as the purpose of blessing.
The crosses
represent the protection of the Precious Blood of Christ, Whose Sacred Name we
invoke, and also the holiness of the Three Magi sanctified by their adoration
of the Infant Christ.
The
inscription is made above the front door, so that all who enter and depart this
year may enjoy God's blessing. The month of January still bears the name of the
Roman god Janus, the doorkeeper of heaven and protector of the beginning and
end of things. This blessing "Christens" the ancient Roman observance
of the first month. The inscription is made of chalk, a product of clay, which
recalls the human nature taken by the Adorable and Eternal Word of God in the
womb of the Virgin Mary, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
To bless
your home this Epiphany, pray the Our Father, and ask that your home be blessed
by the Holy Family this year of the Lord’s favour, 2016; then write the
inscription for this year above your front door with blessed chalk.
With every blessing for 2016
Your Pastor and friend
Fr. Jeff
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