“We saw his star as it rose & have come to do the Lord homage”.
– Matthew 2:2
Following the Christmas break, the Allen Hall community reunited for the first time in the 2025 New Year for the Epiphany of the Lord. Returning from their respective dioceses and families, the seminarians and staff welcomed the seminary’s first liturgy of 2025 with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Solemn Vespers. This time provides an opportunity for the seminarians to reflect on their recent time away from the seminary and prepare themselves in the Lord’s presence for the Jubilee Year ahead and the 50 Golden Years since Allen Hall made its stay in Chelsea.
After Vespers, the community proceeded to the house’s front door as Fr Antonio blessed chalk and inscribed the outer door frame with the initials of the 3 Kings and the year (20+C+M+B+25). May all who pass these doors, whether into or past the seminary, be graced in all their endeavours. This form of Sacramental is particularly symbolic, for example, it reminds us of the Old Testament when the lamb’s blood was smeared on Hebrew doorposts leading up to the Passover. Tradition passes on these markers of faith which re-present the legacy of Christ. You might notice that (when the time comes) Ash Wednesday provides us with a similar context.
Although chalk will undoubtedly fade away in due course, the significance of this rock is present in the way(s) people use it. Many can vividly recall chalk drawings on streets, pavements, and other surfaces where the display lasts only as long as nothing interferes with it. Another example would be the use of chalk in farming as it’s spread over a field, enriching & preparing the soil for later cultivation. With this Epiphany Blessing early in the New Year may we too come to yield a bounteous harvest as the Lord prepares us for all he has willed.
Our Lady, Morning Star – pray for us
Allen Hall’s albums | Flickr for photos through the year