Epiphany of the Lord
Merry Christmas!
Each year, we as Catholics celebrate Christmas not just on December 25 but for days and weeks afterward, until the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord. This year, we are blessed to have three and a half weeks to celebrate Christmas.
Today, on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, we find ourselves over halfway through the Christmas season. Some of us might be thinking, “I didn’t know that Christmas lasted past December 25 or even had a season.” Others might be thinking, “I can’t wait for Christmas to be over already.” Still, others might be thinking, “I hope that the Christmas season lasts forever.”
For me, my thoughts on Christmas vary from day to day. Some days, I forget that we are still in the Christmas season. Other days, I wish we could extend Christmas, keeping the lights up all year round. And then there are days when I feel like Ebenezer Scrooge, wanting to say, “Bah humbug” to Christmas.
When I think of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, I am reminded of the Franciscan tradition of picking a Patron Saint for the year. This tradition, which dates back to an uncertain time in Franciscan history, developed out of a deep reverence for the saints. Over time, it became a custom to celebrate Epiphany as a solemnity dedicated to promoting personal holiness and veneration of the saints.
In a para-liturgical ceremony, usually held on Epiphany and called Extractions, each friar draws the name of a saint from a bowl or basket. This saint becomes his patron for the year. Often, the drawing is accompanied by a prayer intention, a Scripture quote, and a short spiritual exhortation.
This year marks my 21st time partaking in the Extractions since I joined the Franciscan family and began my formation as a friar. It is always a special moment. As the calendar year begins, one receives a patron saint to seek their intercession, to converse with them, to learn about their life, and to share their story with others.
Perhaps you can adopt this tradition in your own way. Consider learning about the patron saint of your profession or favorite hobby, or simply choose a saint at random. Let that saint be your companion throughout the upcoming year.
Merry Christmas and Happy Epiphany! May the saint you choose be a great source of inspiration and intercession for you.
