The Feast of the Epiphany was celebrated by parishes and schools across the Archdiocese of Newark last weekend, Jan 6-7.
The feast, also known as Three Kings Day or Twelfth Night, is celebrated annually on Jan. 6 with various traditions around the world. In many communities, a procession featuring the Three Wise Men is a central part of Epiphany celebrations. This reenactment symbolizes the journey of the Magi to visit the infant Jesus. One of the most widely recognized traditions is the exchange of gifts. In some cultures, children receive presents on the Epiphany to symbolize the gifts brought by the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
As the Epiphany dawned upon the faithful, parishes and schools across the Archdiocese received special visits from the Magi and children received gifts as part of this time-honored tradition, echoing the spirit of generosity that defines this special feast day. Beyond the traditional festivities, some parishes enhanced the celebration with visits from live camels. Camels accompanied the Magi on their journey as told in The Gospel of Matthew (2:1–12).
This is how some parishes and schools across the Archdiocese of Newark recognized the Epiphany:
The Church of the Little Flower in Berkeley Heights celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany with a visit from the Three Kings, who brought their camels and gifts for all the young parishioners.
The Three Kings visited families at The Church of the Nativity in Midland Park.After Mass at The Church of the Nativity in Midland Park, parishioners greeted the camels of the Three Kings.Staff and parishioners at Saint Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark dressed up in costume for The Feast of the Epiphany, reenacting the journey of the Three Kings to visit the Child Jesus. Bishop Manuel Cruz (right) celebrated the Epiphany Mass.Following Mass at Saint Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark, gifts were given to children by the Three Kings.The Three Kings visited St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church in Kearny during Mass on the Feast of the Epiphany.The Three Kings celebrated Mass with parishioners at the parish of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus in Linden.At Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Patrick Church in Elizabeth, the Three Kings processed into the church bearing gifts for Jesus.After Mass, the Three Kings greeted parishioners at Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Patrick Church in Elizabeth.Students at Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Park Ridge observed a Spanish tradition on the Feast of the Epiphany, filling their classmates’ shoes with gifts. In Spanish-speaking countries, a beloved tradition on Three Kings Day involves children placing their shoes, often filled with hay or grass, by the door, window, or under the Christmas tree the night before Jan. 6, symbolizing anticipation for the gifts brought by the Three Kings on their journey.At Christ the Teacher School in Fort Lee, upperclassmen dressed up as the Three Wise Men and visited younger classrooms to teach students about the Feast of the Epiphany.
Featured image: Three Kings visited the Church of the Nativity in Midland Park to present gifts at the foot of the cross on Jan. 6, the Feast of the Epiphany.
