Evening blessing

[faerieevaH]

One of my greatest memories every since the earliest childhood is the 'evening blessing' of my parents. Each night, before going to bed, they would make a small cross on my brow and say 'God bless and keep you". The words became such a familiar blessing that 'Godblessandkeepyou" almost became one word. Even when we were angry with eachother, I felt compelled to go for that blessing, and never was it denied or attached to a sermon about what went wrong, or anything.
Even when I came back from university and lived home, though the cross wasn't signed anymore, the last words my mother always gave me before going to bed were 'God bless and keep you'.

I wondered if there were any parents around here who did this or something simular. And if not... I'ld love to encourage everyone to take up this habbit. Perhaps for Lent?

 

[MParedon]

My mom used to do this when I was younger, especially when I had just started to drive. She usually blessed me (in Spanish) when I would leave the house.

 

[Alexis OCA]

I made the sign of the cross over my three daughters when they were infants and still in the crib. Now I kiss them all good night and pray for them them during Compline or during my late night rosary.

 

[cool2bCatholic]

That is such a beautiful thing to do! I'll definitely suggest it to my dad for my little sister.
God bless you!
Angela

 

[faerieevaH]

That is such a beautiful thing to do! I'll definitely suggest it to my dad for my little sister.
God bless you!
Angela

I was 27 when I moved into my own place... I cherrished it as a grown up as well. With my best friend should we talk on the phone or computer at night, we still end with 'Godblessandkeepyou', the same with my mother. Or 'God bless and keep you. I love you.'

It's why in English, I always finnish conversations or mails with 'be loved and blessed', because those are the two most precious things I could wish anyone.

 

[Alexis OCA]

That is such a beautiful thing to do! I'll definitely suggest it to my dad for my little sister.
God bless you!
Angela

Great idea. Also, think about this, if she's asleep before you, why not do it yourslf....I know little ones can be a pain sometimes and this can be your little gift to her.

 

[ZooMom]

We do this with our children. My husband and I sign a small cross on their foreheads, kiss the same spot, and say, "Good night, God bless." My husband started doing it when he converted, when the first two were just babies. Even if they are asleep when he gets home, he goes in to them and signs them while they are sleeping. The children sign each other, too, when they say goodnight. My youngest likes to take his time making rather elaborate crosses on his brothers and sisters , and it's so sweet and funny to watch the older ones kneel patiently (and roll their eyes over to me and try not to grin) and wait for him to finish. And you can't rush him, either. He'll remind you at the top of his lungs, "Tum back here! I didn't div you a tiss, yet!"


Peace be with you!

Sandy