The Solemnity of the Epiphany was observed around the diocese with celebrations that included parishioners dressing as kings, gifts being distributed and delicious foods being enjoyed. 

Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, symbolized by Christ’s manifestation to the Magi. The wise men followed the star to Bethlehem and to Jesus’ dwelling there. Upon their arrival, the Magi worshipped the infant Jesus and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

According to Roberto Hernandez, observing the Los Tres Reyes Magos – Celebration of the Three Kings – has been a longstanding and much loved tradition of the staff and families of El Centro de Recursos para Familias (Family Resource Center), a program of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton. For 12 years, a celebration has been held in which the throng participates in a procession led by three kings to the manger where the Holy Family is found. The kings present gifts to the newborn Baby Jesus.

To see photo gallery on El Centro's Epiphany celebration, click here.

Hernandez, who is executive director of El Centro said that the kings for the 2014 celebration, which was held in Toomey Hall of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, the morning of Jan. 4, were portrayed by Edwin Cruz, Edwin O. Cruz and Richard Venezuela, all of whom are participants in El Centro’s ESL classes.

After the procession, the families enjoyed munching on tasty food and activities geared for children such as face-painting. Each of the families also appreciated receiving specially blessed loaves of bread that were blessed by Father Dennis Apoldite, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, and the children were thrilled to be presented with a gift from a king

“Observing the Epiphany is important because it reminds us of how we are called to pay homage to our Lord,” Hernandez said.