Blessed be the Buildings

The Friars gathered to take part in an annual tradition of the “blessing of facilities” on August 14th and 15th. We took part in a Eucharistic procession, singing litanies and hymns, as the buildings on the EWTN campus were blessed.

Why is this an important celebration for our community? The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that, “Among sacramentals blessings (of persons, meals, objects, and places) come first. Every blessing praises God and prays for His gifts. In Christ, Christians are blessed by God the Father “with every spiritual blessing.”177 This is why the Church imparts blessings by invoking the name of Jesus, usually while making the holy sign of the cross of Christ” (CCC, 1671).

There is a twofold purpose in the blessing of our facilities. It is first and foremost a way of praising God. During the blessing, we thank Him for the abundance of graces that He has so lovingly poured out upon our apostolate. We express our gratitude for what He has done and then we take time to pray that His gifts would continue to sustain our ministry.

For these same reasons, we encourage you to get your own homes blessed! This is a sacramental that invites God into your home and offers protection against evil. Invite a priest over and take part in this ritual with your family.

On the 15th, we also honor our Mother as we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. This beautiful feast day is a Holy Day of Obligation, so plan to attend Mass. As we reflect on the power of God to assume Mary into heaven, we also ask for the Queen of Heaven to surround us with her mantle of loving care and protection. Mary, Mother of God, be Mother to us all!