Epiphany

“Your light has come,
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.”
-Isaiah 60:1-3

We celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.  We celebrate three great mysteries:  The Adoration of the Magi, Water is changed into wine at the wedding feast, and The Lord is baptized by John—all of which point toward the manifestation of God’s presence in Christ to all the nations.  It is a feast of light, and one of Christ’s coming among us.

This is the last time that we light the vigils lights that are located throughout the Basilica.  There are approximately 200 vigils lights above the doorways, by the icons, hanging over the reredos, and in the corners, that need to be lit by hand.