The Solemnity of the Epiphany in old rite is celebrated on January 6th, and on the Sunday after January 1st for Novus Ordo.
This Feast encompasses three main events that manifested the mission and divinity of Christ: the Visit of the Magi (Three Kings), the Baptism of Our Lord and the Miracle at the Wedding in Cana.
It is also a tradition for Catholic families to bless their homes on this day. This tradition came from the visit of the Magi to the home of the Holy Family.
The blessing includes a prayer, a short reading from scripture and to write the letters C, M and B with the numbers represent the current year (20+C+M+B+25) at the top of their doors. The letters stand for the names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. They also represent the Latin blessing Christus mansionem benedicat, which means “May Christ bless this house.”
The “+” signs represent the cross, a reminder that it is through Christ’s passion, death and resurrection that all grace flows.
 |
 |
 |
O Humble King CardThe Magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to represent His kingship, to symbolize His divinity and to honor He who came in flesh to give His life as a sacrifice. “The Magi set out because of a deep desire which prompted them to leave everything and begin a journey. It was as though they had always been waiting for that star” (Pope Benedict XVI). |
The Baptism of Christ CardThe Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is the Lord’s second manifestation to the world, after the visit from the Magi. John the Baptist prepared the world for Christ’s coming, calling for the repentance of sins. Christ’s baptism fulfills John’s work and began His public ministry. Our Lord submitted himself to Baptism in order to invite us to share his relationship with the Father announced from Heaven. |
Christ in Outrage StatueThe miracle of turning the water into wine during the Wedding in Cana is known as the first miracle the Lord Jesus Christ performed following His Baptism. Christ reminds Our Lady that the time for His manifestation to the world has not yet come. Nonetheless, He does not deny her demand. The wedding at Cana becomes a revelation both of Jesus' messianic identity and his divine identity. |
