Exploring the Meaning of Epiphany
This special day marks when the Magi encountered Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and presented Jesus with the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
In the Latin rite of the Catholic Church, Epiphany celebrates the revelation that Jesus was the Son of God. It focuses on the revelation to the three Wise Men, as well as his baptism in the Jordan River and at the wedding at Cana.
In the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, Theophany, known as Epiphany in the East, commemorates the manifestation of Jesus’ divinity at his baptism in the River Jordan.
Although traditionally celebrated on Jan. 6, in the U.S., Epiphany is observed on the second Sunday after Christmas in the Novus Ordo. In 2025, American Catholics will celebrate Epiphany on Jan. 5.
During the 12 days of Christmas, clergy wear white, except on St. Stephen’s feast day and the feast of the Holy Innocents, when they wear red.
‘Christmas ends on Jan. 13’
In the “usus antiquior” of the Roman rite, Christmastide includes both the season of Christmas and the season of Epiphany, from Jan. 6 to the Baptism of the Lord on Jan. 13.
‘Christmas ends on Candlemas’
Candlemas, or the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, falls on Feb. 2. On this day, many Catholics bring candles to the church to be blessed, symbolizing Jesus Christ as the light of the world.
Candlemas is also the last day that the Marian hymn “Alma Redemptoris Mater” is sung at the end of night prayer from the beginning of Advent through Feb.
