I write this article in response to the number of times of late that I have been approached about blessing someone’s home.
Last Sunday I was off to Melbourne and I had told some friends that the next time I was heading south I would call in to do the house blessing.
These people live in Wallan in an area called Hidden Valley. I had never heard of it but it was an eye opener to me to see the country side and the homes etc.
Anyway we all participated in the ceremony and had lunch.
I had already sent them a copy of a small booklet that I had put together about three years ago.
Julie had shown it to several friends who were more than interested to do some follow up in their own parishes.
I produced this house blessing booklet because on the times previously that I was asked, I was taking prayers and readings etc from everywhere, so it was always a hassle to have any continuity and prayerfulness in the ceremony.
In the ceremony, I actually bless the water and the salt to use in blessing each room.
Then I bottle the remaining holy water for the family.
I told Julie to tell her friends to use the booklet and get some holy water from their church and carry out the blessing themselves.
There are so many blessings that can be carried out by lay people that there is no reason why they couldn’t do their own home.
Julie’s comment to me when I left to continue my journey was ‘they were looking forward to my return to share in their blessing. A lovely understanding of the House Blessing.
Fr Michael
Parish Priest
Sacred Heart Parish
