Doing the dishes and the doorbell rang......(religion related)

[tiggerlover]

...and there is the neighborhood priest making his rounds. Apparently DH "met" the priest a few weeks ago through a neighbor and this neighbor explained to the priest that we were americans and didn't speak much Italian. I guess the priest thought that that we and our house needed blessing. He comes in, tells DS to turn off the TV and proceeds to give some sort of a benediction in Italian and then pulls out a little silver wand of some sort and starts to shake it around the room while chanting something. When he finishes he hands DH a pamphlet and an offering envelope.

This was a new experience for me, it was all kind of strange since I didn't know what he was saying. This is a catholic parish (I am presbyterian) and I was wondering if this is typical of the catholic faith or just perhaps something Italian?

 

[Dan Murphy]

The blessing of a home is a tradtion, yes.

 

[JerseyJanice]

It's a little of both, actually.

Italians are very superstituous by nature. At the same time, there are blessings of every kind from the Catholic Church.

My mother died at home, and when our priest visited the next day, he blessed the house so the angel of death would leave. And no, he wasn't Italian. (Although we are.)

 

[Disney Doll]

Many Roman Catholics will have their new home blessed. I can only speak to Roman Catholic traditions, because that it my religion. Perhas some of our other DIS friends of different Catholic religions can comment on their traditions with regard to new home blessing.

It is rather unusual though for the priest to hand out a donation envelope after the blessing is done. Perhaps that is more of a tradition in Italy? The times I have had my new homes bleassed(2), the priest came over, did the blessing, sprinkled holy water(that was probably the wand to which you referred)and left.

 

[BethR]

Home Blessing is a tradition of the Byzantine Catholics as well. Of course having a new home blessed is something that we do. Plus having one's home blessed yearly around the time of the Theophany (Christ's Baptism in the Jordon) - Jan. 6. Roman Catholics do the same in connection with the Feast of the Epiphany. (I know because I consider myself Both Roman/Byzantine - I was born and raised Roman, married DH who is Byzantine. Our DDs were baptized BC - but have been raised to know both Churches. More than you wanted to know, I am sure. )

The offeratory envelope? Some parishes make offerings for EVERYTHING...