FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY – 6th / 7th JANUARY 2024 –

Dear Parishioners,

Epiphany also known as “Theophany” in Eastern Christian tradition, is a Christian feast day ommemorating the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the wedding at Cana.

It is a special date for Western Christians also, as it’s when people celebrate how a star led the Magi – also known as the Three kings or the Wise Men – to visit the baby Jesus after he had been born. ‘Epiphany’ comes from the Greek word meaning ‘to reveal’, as it is when the baby Jesus was ‘revealed’ to the world.

This feast is about the universal revelation of Jesus Christ as the Messiah of the whole world. That is why it is very significant that three Kings from the then known world, came  to testify, adored and honour the New Born King. The King of Kings and the Lord of the universe. Thus, from the birth of Jesus Christ all nations become one in Christ sharing in the unconditional love of God made manifest in Christ Jesus, the Emmanuel, (The Lord is with us).

As we begin this liturgical year, in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, 2024 has been designated a Year of Prayer by Pope Francis. It starts this, Advent. There is a particular focus on the Our Father, and this presents us with a great opportunity to go back to the basics of prayer. It is in Christ Jesus that we all share in the eternal love of God, as the Children of the same God the Father. Thus, we can proudly call God our Father.

As we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, we are all called to manifest the love of Christ to our world. The world full of tyranny, oppression and violence. Violence that is claiming the lives of our young children. Jesu came as a Child and wants all Children to come to him and share in his love.

Let us in a special way pray for Harry and his family, who are victims of the violence in our society. That the Lord Jesus will have mercy on the gentile soul of Harry and all the victims of knives crime and rest their souls in Peace. We pray that God will grant the family, friends and our church community the fortitude to bear the lost.

Once again I wish you all a fruitful and prosperous year.

Fr Jerome Otitoyomi Dukiya, CSSp