St. Matthew Catholic Church

Traditionally celebrated on January 6th, or the first Sunday after Holy Family, this Feast celebrates the culmination of the Christmas season by Christ being made known to the Gentiles through the visitation, primarily, of the Magi/Three Kings/Wise men. There is a common held tradition that on the feast of the Epiphany, one chalks their doorways commemorating the visitation of the three Kings, Caspar, Malchior, and Balthazar. There is a blessing that goes with this tradition and when written this year will say: “20+C+M+B+23.”

Epiphany is also the celebration of the completion of the Christmas season, or the 12 days of Christmas. It’s not just a pop culture song, but in fact, has very deep and ancient roots in the Catholic church. From the 16th through the 19th Century, it was forbidden for the practice of the Catholic faith in England, as a way to continue Catechesis, this song was developed.

A Partridge in a pear tree: Jesus Christ, the Son of God
2 Turtledoves: The Old and New Testament
3 French Hens: Faith, Hope, and Charity (the Theological Virtues)
4 Calling Birds: The Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
5 Golden Rings: The Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the Old Testament)
6 Geese A-laying: The six days of Creation
7 Swans A-swimming: The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit/the seven Sacraments
8 Maids A-milking: The eight beatitudes
9 Ladies dancing: The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping: The Ten Commandments
11 Pipers Piping: The eleven faithful Apostles
12 Drummers Drumming: The twelve points of the doctrine of the Apostle’s Creed

-Fr. Danny Grover