Catholic Prayer: Easter Blessing in the Home

Description:

Among Italians, priests come into the homes to bless both the dwelling and the beautiful displays of Easter food. Those of us who are not so fortunate as to have the blessings given by a priest may adapt the custom by having the father of the family pronounce them. The following blessing calls for a short procession. The rooms are sprinkled with holy water and this prayer is said [Editor's Note: This is from the old version of the Roman Ritual. See the newer form in the Prayers section.]

Prayer:

Father: Let us pray. O Lord, Almighty God, bless this house that it may become a shelter of health, chastity, self-conquest, humility, goodness, mildness, obedience to the Commandments, and thanksgiving to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Upon this house and those who dwell herein may Thy blessing remain forever. Through Christ our Lord.

Prayer Source: Family Customs: Easter to Pentecost by Helen McLoughlin, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota, 1956