Cathedral Solemn Eucharist With Blessing of Chalk - Rochester Cathedral

Our annual Blessing of Chalk and Epiphany Solemn Eucharist

This fascinating tradition comes from an ancient custom of blessing homes on the feast of the Epiphany. Using chalk which had been blessed, families would recite the Latin blessing ‘Christus mansionem benedicat.’ The first letters of these words, C-M-B, were inscribed above the doorway of the house.

An aide-memoire was created in the sixth century to help remember the phrase. Caspar, Balthasar and Melchior. Also known as the Three Kings who visited the Jesus. The Bible never gives these names and, in fact, doesn’t even say there were three of them. Over time these names have become a commonly accepted part of the Christmas Story.

If you’d like to join in this ancient tradition then all are welcome to join us at the service