The word epiphany means “manifestation.” An epiphany is a moment in time in which there is a special revelation or insight produced. People today might call it a “wow” moment. In terms of the Church’s celebration, the Epiphany refers to this immense, universal revelation: “The manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world” (CCC, 528).

The feast of the Epiphany has a threefold character: It celebrates the manifestation of Christ as he is adored by the pagan wise men or Magi from the East, together with our Lord’s baptism in the Jordan river and the wedding feast at Cana, where he worked his first sign, transforming water into wine (John 2:7-11). 

The celebration of the Epiphany in all its forms is essentially a commemoration of the special manifestations of Christ, the light of humanity and savior of the world, who came into the world not to condemn it, but that it might be saved through him.

Objective: In this course, students will learn about the feast of the Epiphany in all its parts. Students will learn about the adoration of the Magi, about Christ's baptism, and about the wedding feast at Cana. Students will learn why we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord and what it means for us.

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