The Catholic Church has always recognized the home as the domestic church—a sacred space where the Faith is lived daily. Just as churches are blessed and consecrated, so too should Christian homes be sanctified with prayer and blessing. The Traditional Roman Ritual provides several forms of the Blessing of a Home, to be used at different times of the liturgical year.
There are four principal versions:
- On the Feast of the Epiphany – the most solemn version, which includes incense.
- On Holy Saturday and during Paschaltide – incorporating the Vidi Aquam.
- Outside of Paschaltide (Version 1) – incorporating the Aspérges.
- Outside of Paschaltide (Version 2) – a shorter, less formal version.
Like the other blessings found in the Rituale Romanum, these prayers are intended to be prayed in Latin. However, approved English translations may also be used for the faithful to understand the meaning. Importantly, all versions require the use of exorcized and blessed Holy Water, prepared according to the traditional formula.
Sometimes, this blessing is followed by the Consecration of the Family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, making the home truly a dwelling consecrated to Christ. It is also worth noting that the prayers speak intentionally of a “home,” not just a “house”—meaning this blessing applies equally to apartments or other dwellings.
Traditional Latin Mass priests are often willing to perform this beautiful blessing, bringing Christ’s peace and protection into Catholic homes. Below are English translations of the main forms of this blessing.
1. Blessing of a Home Outside of Paschaltide (Version 1)
When a priest blesses a home outside of Paschaltide, he begins upon entering:
℣. Peace be unto this home.
℟. And unto all who dwell herein.
As he sprinkles the principal room, he prays:
Sprinkle me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (Psalm 50:3) Be merciful to me, O God, for great is Thy goodness.
℣. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Sprinkle me with hyssop, O Lord…
℣. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
℟. Who made heaven and earth.
℣. The Lord be with you.
℟. And with thy spirit.
Prayer:
Hear us, holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God! And deign to send Thy holy Angel from heaven to guard, cherish, protect, visit, and defend all who dwell in this home. Through Christ our Lord.
℟. Amen.
2. Blessing of a Home Outside of Paschaltide (Version 2)
℣. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
℟. Who made heaven and earth.
℣. The Lord be with you.
℟. And with thy spirit.
Prayer:
Thee, God the Father Almighty, we fervently implore for the sake of this home, and its occupants and possessions, that Thou wouldst bless ✠ and sanctify ✠ it, enriching it with every good. Pour out on them, O Lord, heavenly dew in good measure, as well as the fatness of earthly needs. Mercifully hear and grant the fulfillment of their prayers. And at our lowly coming, deign to bless ✠ and sanctify ✠ this home, as Thou didst bless the homes of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Within these walls let Thine Angels of light preside and stand watch over them that dwell here. Through Christ our Lord.
℟. Amen.
The home is then sprinkled with Holy Water.
3. Blessing of a Home on Holy Saturday and During Paschaltide
The priest, vested in surplice and white stole, enters the home with a server carrying the vessel of blessed water and says:
℣. Peace be unto this home.
℟. And unto all who dwell herein.
He then sprinkles the dwelling’s main room and its occupants, saying:
I saw water flowing from the right side of the temple, alleluia: and all to whom this water came were saved, and they shall say: alleluia, alleluia.
Psalm 117:1 – Let us give thanks to the Lord for His goodness: for His mercy endureth forever.
℣. Glory be to the Father, etc.
I saw water…
℣. Show us Thy mercy, Lord, alleluia.
℟. And grant us Thy salvation, alleluia.
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come unto Thee.
℣. The Lord be with you.
℟. And with thy spirit.
Prayer:
Hear us, holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God! And as in their departure from Egypt Thou didst guard the homes of the Israelites from the avenging Angel if they were smeared with blood (prefiguring our Pasch in which Christ is slain), so likewise send Thy holy Angel from heaven to guard, cherish, protect, visit, and defend all who dwell in this house. Through the same Christ our Lord.
℟. Amen.
Conclusion
The Traditional Blessing of a Home is a beautiful reminder that Catholic life extends beyond Sunday Mass and into the daily living of the Faith. Invoking God’s protection, asking His angels to guard the home, and consecrating the family dwelling to Christ brings untold spiritual graces.
Whether performed on Epiphany, Holy Saturday, Paschaltide, or at any other time of the year, these ancient prayers remain a powerful testimony to the Church’s care for her faithful, and a sure means of sanctifying the heart of Catholic family life: the home.
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