Blessing of Chalk

It is a tradition on the Feast of the Epiphany for the priest to bless at Mass chalk so that the faithful can use this sacramental to bless their homes. As you know at St Marie's we are dedicated followers of tradition so I thought I would revive this custom.

At the end of Masses this weekend I will bless chalk using the following prayer:

Bene + dic, Domine Deus, creaturam istam cretae: ut sit salutaris humano generi; et praesta per invocationem nominis tui sanctissimi, ut, quicumque ex ea sumpersint, vel ea in domus suae portis scripserint nomina sanctorum turoum Gasparis, Melchioris et Baltassar, per eorum intercessionem et merita, corporis sanitatem, et animae tutulem peripiant. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R Amen

Bless + O Lord God, this creature chalk to render it helpful to men. Grant that they who use it in faith and with it inscribe upon the entrance of their homes the names of thy saints, Caspar, Melchior and Baltassar may through their merits and intercession enjoy health of body and protection of soul. Through Christ our Lord. R Amen

The faithful can then take home the blessed chalk and recite the following prayers and inscribing with the chalk the date -2009 and the initials of the Magi Caspar, Melchior and Baltassar.

First go round the house sprinkling Holy Water in each room in silence. Then the father (or other adult) with the blessed chalk writes the following over or near the door of the house:

20 + C + B + M + 09

After which the following is said:

Leader: Peace be to this house.
All: And to all that dwell herein.
Leader: 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

All: My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden,For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm:He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree.He has filled the hungry with good things;and the rich He has sent empty away. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy; As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.

All: 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

Our Father…
Leader: And lead us not into temptation.
All: But deliver us from evil.
Leader: Many shall come from Saba
All: Bearing gold and incense.
Leader: O Lord, hear my prayer.
All: And let my cry come unto thee.
Leader: The Lord be with you.
All: And with thy spirit.


Leader:
Let us pray.
O God, Who by the guidance of a star didst this day reveal thy Sole-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 Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.

Leader:
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 Spirit. May this blessing remain for all time upon this dwelling and them that live herein. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.