The Feast of Epiphany

Written by the 8th Grade Journalism Class

      For many, the time after Christmas and the New Year holiday simply feels like time to resume work and school. However, the Catholic Church celebrates a very important feast during  the winter season. It is known as the Feast of Epiphany. Epiphany comes from the Greek word Epiphania and means “revelation”. A time of remembrance and celebration, the Epiphany, also known as “little Christmas”, honors the time when the three kings visited Jesus and celebrates the manifestation of the Son of God as the Savior and Messiah. Although gift giving is common, it is primarily a time for Catholics to reflect and embrace their faith at the beginning of the year.

      Performed on January 6th, or the first weekend of January, the Feast of Epiphany gives the chance for Catholics to bless their homes in the new year. The tradition is a humble yet  meaningful one. A family is given holy water and blessed chalk. They then write on the front of their home’s door the first two digits of the year (20), the letters C + M + B, and then the last two digits of the year (this year it would be 25). The letters stand for the names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. This year, for example, the inscription would be 20+C+M+B+25. After the doorway has been marked, the home is toured by all the family members, and holy water is sprinkled throughout.       

Saint John School honored this special tradition as a school community this Thursday, January 9th. Mrs. Burke and students from the 5th and 8th grade gathered in front of the office at the beginning of the school day. An 8th grader was then selected to write the numbers and letters with the blessed chalk on the arch of the front gate while Mrs. Burke read a beautiful blessing. As students entered the school, they were invited to take a moment to connect to God’s message.  It was a lovely and deeply meaningful way to start the new year as a school community, filling everyone with a sense of faith, hope and joy inspired by Jesus.

“Blessed be this doorway. May all our comings and goings be under the seal of God’s loving care.”