Posted on January 3, 2026 View all news
The month of January opens for us beneath the bright, yet gentle light of the Epiphany. After the quiet of Bethlehem and the hidden years of Nazareth, the Church now lifts her voice to proclaim that the Child born of the Virgin is not for Israel alone, but for all nations. The Magi, guided by the star, represent the long pilgrimage of the Gentile world toward Christ. They arrive not by accident, but by providence, for God Himself draws the searching heart to His Son.
The Epiphany reminds us that Christ is revealed as King, God, and Sacrifice. Gold confesses His kingship, frankincense His divinity, and myrrh foreshadows His saving death. The Wise Men kneel, not merely before a lovable Child, but before the Eternal Word made flesh. Their worship teaches us that true wisdom ends on one’s knees. In an age so confident in knowledge yet often forgetful of God, the Epiphany calls us back to humble adoration.
For this reason, I invite you to join us for our High Mass of the Epiphany on Tuesday, January 6, at 6:30 p.m. at Old St. Mary’s The solemnity of the liturgy, the beauty of sacred music, and the ceremonial richness of the Church’s prayer all serve the same purpose: to manifest Christ to us, just as He was manifested to the Magi. We will also hear from the Solemn Proclamation of the date of Easter during this Mass. In the Sacred Liturgy, the same Lord whom they adored is truly present upon the altar, offering Himself for our salvation. To attend this Mass is to stand mystically beside the Magi and to offer Christ not gold, frankincense, or myrrh, but our hearts.
January also brings before us the great figure of St. Francis de Sales, whose feast we celebrate on January 24 and 29. He is the primary patron of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and a secondary patron of the Cincinnati Oratory, and rightly so. Known for his gentleness, patience, and deep charity, St. Francis reminds us that holiness is not reserved for a few heroic souls but is possible in every state of life. His teaching that we should “be who you are and be that well” harmonizes beautifully with the mystery of the Epiphany: each of us is called to reflect the light of Christ in the particular circumstances God has given us.
As we begin this new year, may the star of the Epiphany guide our parishes ever more surely to Christ, and may St. Francis de Sales intercede for us, that our faith be marked by truth spoken in charity.