There is much debate raging on Facebook on the correct date for the celebration of Epiphany. Historically and in most countries globally the date is January 6th. The English branch of the Roman Catholic church prefers however to transfer the feast to a Sunday and thus it was celebrated yesterday in a great many places. The Church of England, true to form, allows for either date to be used!! At Saint Barnabas’, being great lovers of tradition, we stick to the ancient date of the 6th January, 12th Night!
But whatever the date you choose the really important thing is that the feast is celebrated with heart, soul and mind. What gifts will you give to God this year? How far are you prepared to go in your search for the way, the truth and the life?
As part of the celebrations at Saint Barnabas we adopt the practice of blessing Epiphany chalk. This chalk is then taken home and used by each family in an act of devotion. The following form is used as we mark out our homes for Christ and seek his blessing in the coming year. If your church does not follow this custom you are welcome to get hold of your own chalk and join in. I am sure Christ will forgive the fact that it is not formally blessed and lavish his love upon you!
The lintel of the main door of the house (or on wall by the door) is marked by a senior member of the household in the following way:
20 + K + M + B + 10
While saying the following prayer:
The 3 wise men
K Kaspar
M Melchior
B and Balthasar followed the star of God’s Son who became man
20 two thousand
10 and ten years ago.
+ + May Christ bless our home
+ + and remain with us throughout this new year.
If others are present:
Almighty God, incline your ear.
May you bless us and all who are gathered here.
Send your holy angel who will defend us
and fill with grace all who live here. Amen.
You may then choose to write ‘ora pro nobis’ (pray for us) underneath and chalk a small crown above each of the three letters representing the magi.
Our family will perform this devotion following the Solemn Mass on Wednesday evening which begins at 8pm. I look forward to seeing all Barnabites there!
ORATE PRO NOBIS ! (plural)
Forgive him, he didn’t learn any Latin at school!
I most certainly did! The Cambridge Latin Course, as taught by ‘Angry’ Henderson & Tim Wheeler no less. Indeed I was even in a Latin play as ‘Bregans’ the garderner….it toured Norfolk and was even performed as part of a festival in Cambridge!
Sorry! I’d forgotten that. I was probably thinking of your sister – I’m sure she didn’t do Latin.
“What gifts will you give to God this year?”
I was thinking of knitting him a jumper. Does anyone know his favourite colour?
My personal opinion (as a Professor of Latin) is that the Administrator’s Latin is better than his English!